Deacon William Smith, 89, of East Palatka, entered eternal rest from his earthly labors on Friday, October 11, 2013 at the Veterans Administration Hospital-Columbia in Lake City, FL. The son of Henry Smith & Emma (Leary) Smith, he was a native of Cordele, Georgia, born on Tuesday, October 23, 1923. He was educated in the Crisp County GA., School District. William was a World War II U.S. Army veteran who earned numerous medals, ribbons and citations including the Distinguished Unit Badge, Philippine Liberation Ribbon (with 1 Bronze Star), Asiatic Pacific Service Medal (with 4 Bronze Stars) and the American Defense Medal. He has been a resident of Putnam County since 1945, initially moving to Satsuma and subsequently to East Palatka. He was united in marriage to the former Patsy L. Wright in 1975. He was a 40+ years employee of the former Hudson Pulp and Paper Mill (now Georgia Pacific). He was a faithful longtime member, ordained deacon, and past president of Usher Board #2 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, East Palatka. He was well respected by his many produce customers who stopped by the roadside to purchase fresh vegetables in various sites all over Putnam County. He was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Henry Smith & Emma Smith Barwick; grandmother, Lizzie King; brother, Henry Smith; sister, Wilhelmina Tyler and granddaughter, Gracel Sanders. To Cherish His Memories: devoted wife of 38 years, Patsy Smith, East Palatka; beloved sons, Nichols Smith, Jacksonville; William C. Smith, East Palatka and Terrell Sanders, Palatka; cherished daughter, Barbara Smith, East Palatka; caring stepsons, Alvin Wright, El Paso, Texas; and Frank Taylor, Palatka; loving sister, Lillie Bell Wilkerson, Palatka; 21 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and last but not least, his loyal family pet dachshund, "Browny" Smith. Visitation of family and friends will be 5- 8 pm Friday, October 18 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 19 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 100 5th Street, East Palatka, Rev James Sloan, Sr., pastor, is the eulogist. Interment with military honors on his 90th birthday will be 10 a.m.,Wednesday, October 23 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.