William Claude Smith, Jr.

William Claude Smith, Jr. - affectionately known as Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Billy to his family, and as Pastor Smith or Brother Bill to so many others - left his earthly home for his heavenly one on September 16, 2026, at the age of 85, with a smile on his face.

Bill was a resident of Moss Point, Mississippi, and a man whose life was marked by faith, laughter, generosity, humility, and an unconditional love for people.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Lee Athey Smith. Today, September 21st, would have been their 64th wedding anniversary, making this day very special as we remember that they are together again.

He was also preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Smith; his sister, Dorothy; his brother, David; his mother-in-law, Viola Athey; his father-in-law, Connie Athey, Sr.; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Parker and Lelia Mauck, Connie and Virginia Athey, and Lynwood and Phyllis Athey.

Bill is survived by: his children, Sherri (Brian) Crane, Robbie (Anita) Smith, Tony (Hope) Smith, and Chris (Jessica) Smith; his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Chris) Odom, Skyler (Kara Jo) Crane, John Michael (Korey) Smith, Colby (Victoria) Crane, Connor (Grace) Crane, Isa-Rain Smith, and Honey Smith; and his great-grandchildren, Lauren, John Ayden, Beckham, Asher, Barrett, Myles, Jolee, Brody, and Hartlyn. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Debbie Smith; his beloved nieces and nephews; his “adopted granddaughter,” Alaina; and many friends including ministers, parishioners, missionaries, and evangelists.

Bill was a native of Front Royal, Virginia. Throughout his life, God called him to many places. Everywhere he went, he pastored, lived, and loved. Beginning in 1974 he Pastored Westside Assembly of God in Auburndale, Florida; Calvary Assembly of God in Staunton, Virginia; Culpeper Assembly of God in Culpeper, Virginia; and First Assembly of God in Mobile, Alabama, later known as Bay of the Holy Spirit Church. He also served on staff at City Church of Mobile and Evangel Temple in Theodore, Alabama.

Even in retirement, he never stopped serving. At The River, he volunteered as a greeter, teacher, and encourager. He had a special gift for welcoming families to Vacation Bible School and making people feel like they belonged.

Bill served in the United States Army from 1960–1963, serving both stateside and in Germany. After an Honorable Discharge, he worked as a correctional officer at the prison in Lorton, Virginia. He had plans to purchase a home in Front Royal and settle there, but God had other plans.

When Bill felt the call to full-time ministry, he and Brenda, with their four children, moved to Lakeland, Florida, where he obtained a ministerial degree from Southeastern University. After a few years of pastoring, he received a Master of Divinity degree from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

He was an Ordained Minister and served as a Potomac District Presbyter for 23 churches. For 20 years he traveled thousands of miles serving other Pastors, and supporting new, young Pastors as they started out in ministry. Over the years, he preached in jails and missions, and served as a hospital chaplain. He enjoyed missionary trips to Africa, Romania, and Mexico. He loved to recount the hundreds of salvations and healings he witnessed in those foreign countries. Bill also served on the Board of Bible Missions for lifelong friends, David and Kathy Walker.

Bill had a way of making people laugh, feel welcome, and feel unconditionally loved. He was generous with his time, his stories, his prayers, and whatever he had to give. His humility was genuine, and his faith was evident not only in what he preached, but in how he lived.

He loved being Grandpa and took great joy in his grandchildren. He showed up for football games, baseball games, dance recitals, piano recitals, and band concerts. He loved fishing and hunting with his sons and enjoyed sitting around the table playing Rook with his family.

During recent hospital stays and Home Health, Bill continued to make an impression on everyone around him. He became a favorite patient and was lovingly nicknamed “Sweetheart.” Even when his body was weak, his spirit remained strong. He continued to pray, express gratitude, encourage, and impact others for Christ.

Bill often quoted 1 John 4:20: “For the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

Because he had such a heart for those in need, the family encourages friends in lieu of flowers, to make donations to the Three Rivers Assembly of God food ministry, continuing Bill's commitment to caring for others.

The family would like to thank The River church family, Gentiva Hospice (Sandy and Mo), Richlyn and other caregivers for their excellent care and loving compassion for our Dad. We are forever grateful to Jim and the other Sassy’s widowers who proved to be such faithful friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Three Rivers Church Food Ministry at https://threerivers.churchcenter.com/giving/to/in-memory-of-bro-smith

Visitation will be on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 2:30 - 3:30 pm at Three Rivers Assembly of God Church, 15910 Hwy 63, Moss Point, MS 39562. The funeral service will be at 3:30 pm in the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is serving the family.