William Thomas Smith

William 'Bill' Thomas Smith, age 92, entered into rest peacefully on June 5, 2023. He was born September 14, 1930, in Covington, Georgia to the late James Henry and Bamie Lee Hicks Smith. The home he was born in was on Smith Store Road, named for his paternal grandfather who had a store on that road. The Smith family moved to Conyers in the early 1940s. After he completed high school, he went to work for Sears Roebuck and Company. On May 29, 1951, he entered the Army, serving his country for two years during the Korea Conflict. Shortly after he was discharged from service, he was introduced to Hazel Jo Corley by his sister-in-law, Mary A. Smith. Bill and Hazel were married on July 2, 1954. They had 2 daughters, Susan, born in 1956, and Sally, born in 1964. He retired from Frigidaire/General Motors after working 30 years. He became a 'Grill Master' making all kinds of barbecue, the best burgers, and Brunswick Stew. He fashioned his barbecue sauce and his Brunswick Stew from the Lucass family restaurant, The Ranch House, he thought that was the best. In 1996, Bill and Hazel moved to the country, on a piece of property her family had owned for years, and built a home. They both loved working outside, clearing underbrush, chopping down trees and other tasks to improve their new home. Bill loved working with his hands, taking after his father who was a carpenter, whether it would be building birdhouses, benches or pouring concrete for birdbaths. Being outdoors was his favorite place to be. He and his twin brother, Sam, loved to bass fish, hunt, and go to gun shows together. He always took care of his girls. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Smith was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Hazel Jo Corley Smith, his oldest brother James Larry Smith and his twin and best friend, Samuel Hicks Smith. Mr. Smith is survived by his two daughters, Susan Hester Burnett and Sally Ann Smith, granddaughters, Victoria 'Vickie' Ann Burnett, Ashley Lauren Simpson, husband Corey; and 3 great-grandchildren, Rafael 'Rocky' Swinney, Jr., William 'Liam' Blake Simpson, and Olivia 'Livy' Marie Simpson. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

William Thomas Smith

September 14, 1930 - June 5, 2023