William Seely Smith

William Seely Smith, 79, of Estero, Florida passed away on August 26, 2023 after a valiant battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Bill was born on June 30, 1944 to the late William “Seely” and Betty (Love) Smith. After graduating from Findlay High School with honors in 1962, he then attended the University of Detroit for a year, before completing his undergraduate studies at Miami University with a BA in economics. He attended The Ohio State University until he joined Marathon Oil Company in Findlay, Ohio. While working at Marathon he earned his MBA at Bowling Green State University. When Marathon and US Steel corporation merged, Bill moved to Pittsburgh with his family directing the Risk Management Program for USX and US Steel for the next 15 years. He retired in 2005, and he and Susan became snowbirds after purchasing a second home in Estero, Florida. His long and exciting career took him all over the world, even living in London for a brief time.

From childhood, Bill was a lover of “The Lake” and an avid sailor. He spent most of his summers at the family cottage on Lake Erie, making countless memories boating, swimming, fishing and golfing. He and Susan enjoyed many retirement years of Lake life with their family and friends. He also enjoyed playing golf with his buddies at Valley Brook Country Club and Pelican Sound Golf and River Club.

Bill loved being outdoors and on the water, and will be remembered for his wanderlust—always looking forward to the next adventure. Although a worldwide traveler, he was always happiest at home with his family and friends.

His family will always be grateful as he was a loving and adoring, husband, father and “Papa”; he will remain forever in their hearts.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan M. (Shaffer) Smith, his loving son, Andrew William Smith (Sarah), his treasured grandchildren, Richard Edwin Smith, Henry William Smith, and Ashley Margaret Smith; his siblings, Beth Brewer (Tim Wilbur), Cynthia Janssens (John Powell), Sandra DeRodeff (Stephan), and Christopher Smith. He is also survived by his aunt Jean Alexander and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife Janet Kay Keiffer Smith.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support at this most difficult time, especially his “Sue Lou” friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 30, 2023, 11 AM at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 7755 E. Harbor Rd. Marblehead, OH 43440; Committal to immediately follow at Catawba Island Township Cemetery, luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at 2700 Horizon Dr., Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406 or at http://www.theAFTD.org/ in memory of William Smith, or to The Lake Erie Foundation, 236 Walnut Avenue, Lakeside, OH 43440 https://lakeeriefoundation.org/ (419) 301-3743, in memory of William Smith.

Arrangements in Florida are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.