William “Bill” Claude Smartt
William “Bill” Claude Smartt, 94, of Andrews passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 in Andrews, Texas.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate his life at 2:00 PM Friday, October 26, 2018 at McNett Funeral Home Chapel, in Andrews, Texas with Minister Leslie Boone officiating. Internment followed in the Andrews North Cemetery. The Family received friends from 6:00- 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at McNett Funeral Home Chapel. Please celebrate his life by visiting www.mcnettfuneralhome.com.
William “Bill” Claude Smartt, 94 of Andrews. Bill was born on March 10, 1924 in Baird, Texas to William Claude Smartt and Callie Mae Hawk Smartt. He married his bride, Lena Faye Lewis on May 15, 1946 in Abilene, Texas. He joined Lena and his heavenly Father on October 24, 2018.
Bill served in the Navy and was a boxer while in the service. On December 7, 1941, he was on the U.S.S. Chester Heavy Cruiser and was headed for Pearl Harbor. They had stopped to refuel when they got the news of the bombing. The U.S.S. Chester entered Pearl Harbor to the most devastating sight, one that he would never forget. The next ship he served on was the U.S.S Louisville, which included travels and combat missions in Watje, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Hollandea (New Guinea) Ponapi, Satawal, Truk, Peleliu, Saipan, and Tinian. His ship survived bombers and even a torpedo. Many lives were lost during combat. After his discharge from the Navy in Charleston, South Carolina in April 1947 he joined the active reserves and returned to Abilene, Texas. In August 1950 he was called back to duty. He served as a naval instructor, training men to operate boats until he was honorably discharged.
After serving in the Navy, he worked for Permian General Hospital. He worked as the Head of Maintenance from the time it was built until his retirement. He was a member and served as an elder for many years at The Andrews Church of Christ. He loved to play games and win, dance, play golf, and enjoyed his children and grandchildren. Bill loved to tell his story and cultivate new friendships through dancing and pockets full of taffy. He put a heap ‘o living into 94 years. His wallet cards he carried with him and gave out freely said it all: “They may forget what you said, but they will not forget how you made them feel.”
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Bravos Smartt and Britt Smartt, sisters: Willa Mae Smith and Jo Dean Wistl. He is survived by two sons: Billy Smartt of Granbury, and Gary and wife, Becky Smartt of Andrews, and one special daughter, Fonda Gilchrest of Andrews. Seven grandchildren; B.J. Smartt and wife, Wendy of Sweetwater, Sky Tucker and husband, Marc of Levelland; Callie Smartt, of Abilene; Cooper Smartt and wife, Stefanie of Granbury, Johnathan Smartt of Andrews, Joshua Smartt and wife, Sarah of College Station, Marissa Thorpe and husband, Layton of Andrews. Eight great grandchildren: McKinley and Parks Tucker of Levelland, Saylor, Maverick and River Smartt of Granbury, Creagh and Cambell Smartt of Sweet-water, and Mason Smartt of College Station.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Lubbock Christian Home 4404 Idalou Rd, Lubbock, TX 79403.
