Bill Alvin Smith, Jr.

Q: What will you never forget about Bill? A: Bill Smith was a great friend and encourager for me and my family in working with missions at our Church, First Methodist in Tulsa. He pioneered Faith Promise giving at First and served many years on the Mission Council. He always had a ready hug to give when I saw him and he called me "his little brother" even though I was considerably taller than he was! I had the privilege an honor to be invited only weeks before his death to have a wonderful dinner with him at Inverness. I loved Bill Smith dearly! When my family went to serve 6 months at Rancho 3M home for children Bill asked me to write details about what progress was being made daily on the boys dormitory construction project. I am including a few photos of him when he came down to work with us.

My brother Bill was one of the nicest men I have ever met. He was such a support to all of his siblings and was well liked by everyone that knew him. He supported the family and guided his siblings through many difficult times. We could always trust him for good counsel. I can't wait to get to heaven and give him a big hug and enjoy his sweet smile again.

Bill and Opal Smith with their children on their their 50th anniversary in 1981 in Oklahoma City.

The Beacon Sunday School Class was a cornerstone for Bill & Dottie. He was one of the last living members of the class. He loved their class song, and it was shared at his Celebration of Life. Are Ye Able

United Methodist Hymnal #530 1. "Are ye able," said the Master,

"to be crucified with me?"

"Yea," the sturdy dreamers answered,

"to the death we follow thee." REFRAIN:

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are thine.

Remold them, make us, like thee, divine.

Thy guiding radiance above us shall be

a beacon to God, to love, and loyalty. 2. Are ye able to remember,

when a thief lifts up his eyes,

that his pardoned soul is worthy

of a place in paradise? REFRAIN 3. Are ye able when the shadows

close around you with the sod,

to believe that spirit triumphs,

to commend your soul to God? REFRAIN 4. Are ye able? Still the Master

whispers down eternity,

and heroic spirits answer,

now as then in Galilee. REFRAIN

My big brother Bill. My first memories of him are when I was 4 or 5. He and mom were feeding Gary. They were teaching Gary where his nose , ears and elbow was Gary was saying e-bow and Brother Bill would laugh. Years later I was in grade school and took a quarter out Bills pocket without telling him. I bought a cookie with it and shared with Evelyn . Years later I confessed to taking the quarter and actually gave him a quarter and asked for forgiveness. I miss by big brother Bill and felt like we were just getting to know each other. Love Birdie

John Schwenker daughter: Karen & Stu Quinn, "Your Dad was such a good and kind friend to my Dad all the years at Inverness. My husband and I got to enjoy visiting with him too when we came to Tulsa to visit my Dad these last few years. Our hearts & prayers are with you."

Cards from Morrison & Drummond Eye Clinic Gena & Aiden, "Thinking about you all during this time. Thoughts & prayers." Becca & Andrew Houghton, "Wishing you and your family comfort during this time."

Kelly & Tom Junk, "You and your family are in our prayers. We are so sorry we are out of town for the Celebration of Life for your father. We are so grateful for all your Dad & Mom have meant in our lives over many years at First Methodist. I (Kelly) have learned so much about missions and God's heart for the world. As I continue in my role at First as the Global Outreach Director, I often think of your Dad and his amazing impact on missions here. Both your parents were amazing people and I know this journey of grief is hard. Please know we are praying for you and wanted you to know the lasting impact your dad had on both of us."

Cards from Inverness: Charlotte Call, "Bill was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He will certainly be missed." Grace Eagleton, "Bill Smith was a good friend to me and to everyone. Like Will Rogers he was a friend to all he met. I cannot visualize his face without that shy grin. And he had a quiet sense of humor to go with it. Always pleasant. I remember in the early days Bill taking his little grandson fishing. I took mine and we caught little sunfish. Bill and his grandson caught big bass! That "little grandson" is probably over six feet tall and some kind of an engineer now, I think. Bill will be remembered not for his fishing skills but for all the good he advocated. He was a moving force behind our creating a lovely little chapel. It is often used for small worship services and private quite meditation. Bill is responsible for that. He also served for many years on the Employee Appreciation Committee, often as its Chairman. Through his efforts our employees knew that they were appreciated year after year. He helped me in small ways and large -- being a handyman, running small errands, lifting our spirits with his humor, just being a steady friend. He will be missed. We will try to keep his loving spirit alive with us always. I am sorry for our loss -- for your loss. Let's keep him alive in our hearts.

Friends that we consider family: Carol & Larry Kelley, "You were blessed with the best Mom & Dad. Your Dad was one in a million and you Mom was too. We are so thrilled that they are now reunited in Heaven in the presence of Jesus. What a Christmas your parents must be having with Jesus." Kathy Kelley & Jason Howell, "Thank you for sharing your precious parents, Bill & Dottie, with us. They were such a blessing & encouragement to me & to my family & ALL those they encountered! They both embraced us with big smiles & bright eyes! We were able to spend special time with your Dad over the past few years & what a gift that was to us! He was such an incredible Godly man - so accomplished, so active, so fun, so loving, so creative, so intelligent & so humble. He always spoke of you & your family - showing pictures & so proud! Our hearts grieve with you & rejoice that your Dad is with your Mom in the presence of JESUS! Please know you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. Please let us know if there's anything you need!" Nancy & Gary Bracken, "Our hearts are filled with gratitude & sorrow. Gratitude for the privilege and joy of sharing our lives with Bill. He was a trusted friend, brother and mentor. Sorrow for the absence we will feel everyday without him. Our deepest condolences and love to all of you." DeDe Sageser, "I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. He, like your mom, was such a huge part of my childhood and life. I will miss him. Diane Bobko, "As I sit here writing this just after 11 Pacific Time, you are having the Celebration of Life for Bill. My heart is there with you, what a life to be celebrated. What an impact Bill had on everyone he met. I will always remember his with that twinkle in his eye when he was teasing me, and those warm hugs when he greeted me. I was so grateful to be "adopted" by your folks, giving me a 'dad' to talk to when my dad was 1,000 miles away (that was back b4 cell phones when we paid for long distance calls by the minute, so I only talked with mom & dad 1x/week). Bill & Dottie brought the love of Jesus to everyone they met. I am grateful for the promise of our reunion some day!! Cyndy, I know that you know this...but your dad (& mom) adored you & were so proud of you! Praying for you as you grieve. It is hard letting go --- especially for us girls that were blessed enough to have amazing, godly dad's like ours, & proudly were "daddy's girl". There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of my daddy. So grateful you had that special bond. What was it he always called you? Sugar Bug? Love you, dear friends. Thanks for sharing your special family with me. I will remember it for all eternity." Linda Roberts, "Just a note to say I thought the service for your dad on Saturday was beautiful and perfect. He was a good man and I am sorry I didn't get to know him better. Everyone that did know him speaks highly of him. He was a wonderful companion for my mother. She will miss him greatly. The large crowd was a testament to how many lives he touched. Certainly a life will love and filled with purpose." Kelly & Jennye, "We were so very fortunate to know Bill. He was such a blessing to the life of our family. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to know him, & you all! Our prayers for you in this season."

Cards received from family: Linda Craig, 216 Duke St, Garland, TX 75043, "I am Lester Luton's daughter. Bernice called me & told me of Bill's passing. He was such a special cousin even though we seldom had contact. Blessings to you all." Willard & Loreen, "Thank you so much for all your hard work in preparing the service! Your attention to detail made the service special & memorable. A wonderful memorial to a life well lived. Also a heartfelt thank you for the watch. It brought back memories of a long ago when dad first received it! The guitar book & picks sparked sadness mixed with joy. Bill and I wanted to share that interest but were not able to. However, when he visited we sang some of the old hymns together. I especially enjoyed "The wreck of the number 9". He knew the song from memory!! I know the preparation & service were not easy for you but what a blessing to family and friends! Again thank you so much! Tammi, Ron, Andrew, Timo & Abby "We are praying for you all. May the Holy Spirit surround you & bring you comfort. What a legacy your dad lead & left to this world!

Cards received from the members of the Buliders Class: Linda Bradshaw, "Sending Love" Larry & Pat McMahan, "Bill was such a sweet friend - we will miss him deeply." Cheryl Skalnik, "Bill was such a good friend. We are really going to miss him." Eve O'Kelley, "Your Dad was such a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed."

Words Of Hope This Christmas

By Jennye Bock With Winter’s arrival a few days ago, I received news of a precious saint’s Home-going. His health had rapidly declined this year, his ninety third. So, it was not such an unexpected death. But are we ever really prepared for a loved one’s leaving? My heart grieves for those will feel the weight of his absence most.

His earthly body will be laid to rest on Christmas Eve. Poor timing for a burial, I thought at first. But maybe not. I remind myself to leave space and time for lament and pray the others will as well.

And I recall lyrics to a favorite song. I have vivid memories sitting in a pew of my hometown Methodist church in Christmas Eve, hearing the words powerfully ring forth form the soloist’s lungs. “A thrill of hope – the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”

Placide Cappeau, “O Holy Night,” 1847 As my dangling legs swung back and forth, I gave no thought to trials may lay ahead. And I had no real understanding of eternal life. Yet the song must have made an impression on eight-year-old me. “For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!” The line is worth repeating, is it not? It is why you and I can rejoice. As saints sojourning, we laugh and lament our way through each season. Between two Advents, we wait.

But not without hope. For we are not as ones who live in perpetual winter no Christmas. Christ has come, and He will come again. For God so loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16. HCSB

Family coming together to say goodbye.

Dad, I am honored & proud to be your daughter. You have always been a pillar of support. I will strive to continue to uphold the values you have instilled in me along with being compassionate & giving to others. Until we are reunited in heaven, I want you to know that I love you so much & will always be your "Sugar Booger".

At the age of 86 he experienced what “falling in love again” was like when he met Zeke Hanson. They quickly found out that they not only shared a birthday, but also a love for sports, music and travel. They were able to share many adventures together. He was so blessed that Zeke and her daughters, Linda, Teri, Jill & Jennye plus their families all opened their hearts and family celebrations to include him.

Just because you are 70 years older than your grandson, doesn't mean you can't teach him how to fish, ride a bike, swim, shop at the Bass Pro Shop, learn that ice cream is a major food group, go together to camp and be kind & courteous. Trey & Poppy's relationship was one of a kind. What a joy it was for them to be together for Trey's college graduation day.

Family was top priority for him. He loved his daughter Cyndy and was so excited to welcome son-in-law Monty in 1983, but his greatest joy was his grandson Trey. He was not only a devoted dad & grandad, but a faithful and caring husband to Dottie for 63 years.

For the last 20 years, he resided at Inverness Village, where he continued to take on various leadership responsibilities including overseeing the building of the Chapel, singing in the choir, trapping turtles out of the pond and hanging out with the ROMEO group every Wednesday morning. His big smile and friendly greetings, along with his homemade peanut brittle, will be missed by the residents and staff.

Being the oldest of 12 children, he had a natural ability to organize and manage. He was the first son, followed by 5 sisters (Dorothy, Stella, Joan, Bernice & Birdie Mae), 3 brothers (Willard, James & Gary), 2 sisters (Pam & Debbie) then 1 last brother (Carl), 23 years later. When his dad was asked why he had so many kids, he said it was the railroad's fault. The freight train came through town at 5:30 in the morning waking him up. It was too early to get up and too late to go back to sleep.

After his graduation from TU, his spiritual walk began to deepen as he & his family took more active roles in the Methodist Church. He was an active member of First Methodist Church Tulsa since 1966. His love for this church was unmeasurable. He was on numerous committees, mission councils, Sunday school leadership positions, teaching rotations, building committees and a key member of forming the Beacon Class Scholarship which has handed out over $335,000 in college scholarships since 1971. He served in the mission field both abroad & locally, seizing every opportunity to share his love for the Lord. What a joy for him, it must have been, to celebrate Christmas with Jesus this year!

Friends for 58 years are hard to find, but Bill found not only a friend but a "brother" when he met Gary Bracken. They worked together as engineers then after both had "retired" spent many hours together at Wiemann Metalcraft figuring out how to run a different kind of project. In any spare time, they could be found fishing, hunting or sharing a meal. Bill not only treasured his relationship with Gary, but with the whole Bracken family.

In November of 1988, he decided to rejoin Willbros Butler Engineering. He was reunited with some old friends and retired in 1997.

More memories from Crest Engineering. His travels took him completely around the world on 3 different occasions. He was in the Near, Middle & Far East. He helped design & construct pipelines in Iraq, Abu Dhabi, Libya, Indonesia, North & South America. Crest had office locations in England, the Netherlands & Malaysia. The company was also affiliated with a company in Japan.

1979 trip to China where he was invited to accompany the third petroleum delegation into Communist China after President Nixon initiated normalization talks. While on this trip he met Bob Hope.

Crest Engineering which later became Lummus Crest. Worked from August 1971 thru June 1985. Started the pipeline engineering department as 1 person and developed to peak of 23 graduate engineers, 3 secretaries and varying filed staff up to 250 personnel. Pictures are from Japan, Tulsa & the Middle East.

1970's

Great Lakes Natural Gas Transmission Line. Work done under Williams Brothers Company December 1967. Line ran from Emerson, Manitoba, Canada to St. Clair, Michigan. It is a 36" line that originally was 157 miles long.

Expanding the family. Cynthia Diane Smith, Cyndy, born in Seminole, Oklahoma June 3, 1962.

Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering, Tulsa University June 4, 1961

US Army Corp of Engineers, 1953-1955. Stationed @ Fort Knox, Kentucky. Korean War, Corporal with a SP4 rank.

Wedding Day, January 4, 1953

6 months old

My brother Bill was my hero. He was a kind and loving brother who seemed to always have a smile on his face. I admired him. My earliest memory was when we went to California where I had my fifth birthday. He caught a fish with his hands at a nearby creek. He gigged frogs and mother cooked the legs (which frightened me terribly as they jumped in the skillet!). When we return to Arkansas, he got a paper route so all the neighbors on Logtown Hill knew and trusted him. He got so good at hitting the porch with the papers that he was asked to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He and daddy formed a ball team themselves. It was called the City Heights Sluggers and was sponsored by the cottage Café in downtown Van Buren. He also was able to buy or barter for things we needed at our house like gifts for the younger children, household items or fresh milk. My happiest Christmas was receiving a cradle with a baby doll that he somehow managed to get for me. After he and Dottie got married, he mentored and helped the younger children in the family. I was proud of his accomplishments, not only for his work around the world, but for his devotion to church and helping others. I loved his creativity like forming the "R.O.M.E.O."s (Retired old men eating out). When I think of Bill, his face and wonderful smile is what I see. A swell of love flows from my heart. He was a good daddy, a thoughtful counselor, a wise businessman, a lover of God, country, family, and friends. Bill, my brother, I will see you again in heaven.

I remember Billy as smiling and friendly and good hearted. He was easy going and always happy. What I remember was one time mama called us to walked up to Buster Browns country store and mama surprised us by watching Billy and daddy playing baseball near there. I think I was 5 or 6 years old. He was our star because we were so proud of him. -Birdie

Bill was a good as brother as anyone could want. He was always encouraging and up lifting. The time we were able to spend together meant a lot to me. When he visited me in Texas, we sang some of our old hymns. I was surprised he could sing all the words to the “Wreck of the Number Nine” from memory. What fun we had sharing memories of Arkansas. I guess I will not get to wash his car for taking us three boys swimming in Lynn Creek so many years ago! His faith in God was deep and strong, and always inspiring me. His life has been good example of a Christian living for me to follow. I will miss his soft speech, words of wisdom, and encouragement very much!

I have several memories, but one stands out. Bean had Krista's reception in Eagle Lake and we all went down and had a great time. Uncle Billy came to the table I was sitting at and talked to several of us there. I believe I was contemplating going to South Korea on a mission trip. He said to me "your mom told me that you will do anything you put your mind to." Those words have been very encouraging words for me, ever since. Thank you Uncle Bill, you will be missed

Bill with his younger brothers Willard and Gary at Bowling Green Kentucky.

My husband and I were always impressed with Bill’s friendly & outgoing nature! His spiritual testimony spoke volumes to us while in Sunday School together each week! We will miss him greatly, but are thankful, for his sake, that he is now “at rest” with his Jesus! Jay & Carole Scott-FMC-Tulsa

My deepest sympathies to the family. I know how hard it is to loose a parent. You are in my prayers.

One day when Bill and I were visiting at his apartment he told me "you know I am in high demand with the women here!" I replied with a curios tone "oh really?" Bill replied "yea I have a secret weapon" upon which he reached in his pocket and pulled out his car keys and said "I can still drive!" Which I replied "you are my hero!"

I was having a hard time writing thru tear filled eyes. I am so sorry,, I ment to say lastly how proud Billy was of Cindy and of her husband Monte ,, but the one who put the grand in grandson for him was Trey. We will all miss him. Gary

My brother Billy….oh how I loved him. We could talk for ever just visiting and laughing. I took him to Bowling Green Ky. For the Drag races ,,, I think it was to hot for him ), Billy was a wonderful Christian man and one that I looked up to him,, because he lived it. He loved his wife Dottie and sadly lost her sme years ago,, but I saw his heart glow again anytime he was close to Zeke ! Billy had many friends,, one he loved like a brother, and that was Gary Bracken. Billy told me once that if he really needed help or just a friend that he would call Gary. Billy ,, have always looked up to you, and I will continue to do so,,,watching to see if just by chance God might let you look down on us,, and say I am waiting for you to join the family. You were all a big brother should be,,, I Love You …Gary

I attended Sunday school class for many years with this man while taking my grandmother Vi Rothrock to church. I was always absolutely delighted to see Bill Smith. He always gave me the biggest smile and warmest hugs and I felt his true Christian love. I will miss him tremendously but have sincere peace in knowing that I will see him again in Heaven. Christine Bowe

When I was a little girl. My big brother Bill was already married, and a baby on the way, and when he came to visit the family this time, he had bought a movie camera, for the occasion of his baby to be coming soon. Bill would say you kids run around so I can see action on my camera and so we would. It was great fun holding hands and going around, we would all be dizzy before ACTION was over. But as time goes by my teen years were here. But Bill alias (TIM BURTON) still brought his movie camera for each visit. But now I am dating, and he became a news reporter, my poor date would be asked all kinds of third-degree questions. Like MAAAAN HOW TALL ARE YOU and do you play basketball, if not you should. Well after the Bill Smith interview. I didn't see Allen anymore not even at school. By the way Allen was 6ft 4 inches and I am 5ft 3 inches. On Bill's next visit, I was dating a new victim. Well, at least he is normal size, I can get you both in same frame, he says to me, and out comes movie camera. So, he shows my last date Allen to my new date Ray, and explains to Ray, that he couldn't get me and last guy in same frame, could it get any worse. I think that is still on reel or it was last time I saw the film. I know there are lots of girls, with big brothers, but none like mine, he will be missed, this is my last boyfriend.

We were blessed to know this man for several years and count him as part of our family. Among many memories, a special one is when he and Mom joined us for our annual trip to Busch Stadium for a couple of Cardinal games. One the way we stopped at Lambert's for dinner. Bill is always smiling and this was no exception. He carried his positive attitude everywhere. We will miss Bill (and his peanut brittle).

Q: How did you meet Bill? A: Bill and Dottie were among the first people we met after joining First Methodist. They lovingly reached out and made us feel “known.” Having been a longtime member of a very small community of believers, I never saw myself in a large metropolitan church, but Bill and Dottie along with several others made us so welcomed, we felt right at home! Bill had that quality, he never met a stranger, he just met a new friend! I went on to work at FMC as the Missions Administrator for 22 years. Bill was my mentor, my “go to” person for guidance in that role. You see, Faith Promise, the way missions was funded, began in Bill and Dotties home. The story was that they invited a few friends over for ice cream one evening and presented the idea of raising missions money through asking God to provide unexpected funds and then to donate those funds to missions. This has raised millions for the missions program at FMC. Bill and Dottie also inspired Fred and me in other ways. Many Sundays we would be walking out to our car after church, and see them walking to their car holding hands. It was a sweet reminder of a loving relationship and how to keep a marriage fresh after many years. Bill and Fred shared each other’s admiration for John Wayne movies and following Fred’s retirement in 2014, many times we would get together to watch a John Wayne movie video. I will cherish that memory. Fred is already in heaven to great Bill and I am sure they continue remembering John Wayne sayings.

I am Bill's youngest sister. My first memory of Bill is of a grown man coming to our house and giving lots of hugs and bringing goodies for all of us to eat. When I became an adult it was then I realized what an interesting man he was. On his travels he would bring back tea cups for our mother. What wonderful stories came with the tea cups! I loved him sharing his memories from youth to adulthood!