William Arthur Smith lll

July 23, 1942 - April 23, 2021

William A. Smith lll July 23, 1942 – April 23, 2021 Bill passed away on April 23, 2020 at NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield California at the age of 78. Born in Morenci, Arizona in 1942, Bill grew up in Glendale, graduated from Arizona State University; and joined the United States Air Force in 1964. Following six months at MSC School at Gunnar Air Force Base, Alabama; he began his eleven year tour of duty which included Castle AFB in Merced, CA; Takhli AFB in Thailand, Hamilton AFB in Novato, CA; NKP AFB in Thailand; Bitburg Air Base in Germany, Zaragoza Air Base in Spain; Davis Monthan AFB in Tuscon, AZ and Travis AFB in Fairfield, CA. Bill was honorably discharged from service in 1975, returned to school and earned his MBA from Golden Gate University. He taught in the Business Department at Solano Community College part-time for twenty years and worked at Oakland Naval Supply Center until retirement. Memberships included Elks Lodge 1728, American Legion Post 208, VFW 8151, MOAA, ASU Alumni Association and Golden Hills Mustang Club. Bill is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ellen, three children; Eric ( Darcy) Smith of Vacaville,Diane ( Bob) Wagner of Truckee, and Michelle Elder of Lubbock, TX and six grandchildren: Jessalyn,, Charlotte, Abigail, Jake, AJ and Lauren. Bill is also survived by his sister Margaret ( John) Pool of Bonita, CA. Graveside service with full military honors at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery will take place at a future date. Due to Covid restrictions, services are limited to family. A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at a later date.