COLUMBUS
William E. “Bill” Smith, 77, of Columbus, passed from this life at 3:55 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
Mr. Smith was born February 13, 1941, in Barren County, Kentucky, the son of William Henry and Marie Whobrey Smith.
He married Rebecca J. “Becky” Veluzat January 4, 1965; she survives.
Mr. Smith was a U.S. Army veteran.
He was a self-employed diesel mechanic and was the owner and operator of Bill’s Auto Sales on Seventh Street for many years.
Bill was a drag car driver and owner of several dragsters. He enjoyed racing at Bean Blossom and Ohio Valley.
He loved the Lord and enjoyed his church, New Life Missionary Baptist Church.
Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Becky; children, Sheila (Tommy) Burdett of Georgia, Robin Sikes and her companion Darren Burch of Westport, Janet (Ronnie) Coomer of Columbus, Amy Ramey and her companion, Bob Sebastian of Greensburg, Angie Smith and her companion, Bobby Asbury of Butlerville, and Ricky Allen (Amanda) Smith of North Vernon; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Rachel Merrick of Columbus; an uncle who was like a brother, Charlie D. (Vola) Smith of Scottsville, Kentucky; and his mother-in-law, Grace Veluzat of Columbus.
Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Heather Nichol Asbury; his father-in-law, Clay Veluzat; and an aunt, Ruth Ann Smith.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Scott Harper and Brother Don Asbury officiating.
Family and friends may gather for visitation from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday and from 9:30 a.m. until the service time Monday.
In keeping with Mr. Smith’s wishes, cremation will take following the service.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaveglick.com.
