William “Bill” Smith died peacefully on Wednesday evening, December 13 surrounded by his family and friends.

Bill never saw a vegetable he didn’t like or couldn’t grow, and without being cliché, he loved long walks on the beach – usually accompanied by one of his dogs, Luca or Fredo. Bill was the Lance Armstrong of Park Township, minus the steroids but with all of the outfits. His golf game was famous for his “tuches waggle” and long drives. Bill was the original “Science Guy” motivating thousands of young minds during his 31 years as an elementary school teacher to not only reach for the stars, but to understand them.

Bill attended Holland Christian High School and Hope College a long time ago. While teaching in the Grandville Public School System, he received a master’s degree from Western Michigan University – which he never spoke of.

After retirement, Bill increased his activity and became a master gardener — using his talents in his backyard and while also working for Holland Township. He was an elder and a deacon at Fellowship Reformed Church, served for years as a Kid’s Hope mentor; sang in the Holland Chorale, church praise team, and to every bird in his backyard.

We will miss his presence in our lives and never forget the mantra he lived by, which was to “Serve Others”. As a husband, father, son, brother, friend, teacher, gardener, singer, and cyclist – Bill put others before himself. Bill is survived by his wife of 19 years, Marcia Meoli Smith; his three children Elizabeth Smith of Grand Rapids (best friend, Shanice), Andrew Smith of Holland, Joel and Danielle Smith of Easton, Conn.; brother Rick and Susan Smith of Holland, and their three children Dan and Tracy Smith of Los Angeles, Hilary Smith of Nashville, Tenn., and Hannah Smith of Nashville, Tenn.

He is also mourned by Walter and Mary Rottschafer of Zeeland, numerous closefriends, and the congregation