William "Bill" Edward Smith

William “Bill” Edward Smith, age 88 of Bradford, passed away at home surrounded by his wife and children, Monday, June 24, 2024.  Bill was born in Bradford on January 27, 1936 to the (late) Rollin Oaklin & Hazel P. (Hiestand) Smith Sampson; a graduate of Bradford High School, Class of 1953; attended two years of college and played football at the University of Louisville with the great Johnny Unitas; retired from Fram, Greenville with 11 years of service, owned and operated Smith Super Value for eight years, and worked as Service Manager for Beaver-Heilman Ford for 16 years; a member of Bradford United Methodist Church; inducted into the Bradford Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999; was with the Bradford Fire & Rescue for eight years; coached Bradford Peewee football in his younger years; a member of F & AM Gettysburg Lodge; was an avid fisherman; enjoying watch sports especially the Louisville Cardinals and all Louisville sports; was also a New York Yankee fan; he was a devoted husband to his wife, Ruth Ann and was told “he was a good role model for other men”; most of all he loved his family and they came first.  Preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Robert D. Sampson; and brother, Rollin Eugene Smith.  Bill is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ruth Ann (Sander) Smith; his daughter, Cindy Smith of Dayton; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert L. & Bonnie Smith of Bradford; four grandchildren, Michael & wife, Erica Smith of Florida, Carmen & husband, Jeff Gephart of Sidney, Dustin & wife, Jill Brumbaugh and Derick & his wife, Kim Brumbaugh, all of Richmond, KY; seven great-grandchildren, Cash & Jax Gephart, Carter Smith, Peyton & Lacey Brumbaugh, and Ethan & Evan Brumbaugh; other relatives and many dear friends.  Funeral Service 1:00 PM Monday at Stocker-Fraley Funeral Home, Bradford with Pastor John Mohler officiating.  Interment Harris Creek Cemetery, Bradford.  Visitation 12:00 Noon Monday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bradford Fire & Rescue or Ohio Hospice of Miami County.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.stockerfraley.com.