William H. Smith, a Longtime Area Resident and Army Veteran, Dies at 71

HOPEWELL JUNCTION – William H. Smith, 71, a lifelong area resident, died unexpectedly on May 7, 2017 at Hudson Valley Hospital.

Bill was born on December 26, 1945 in Poughkeepsie. He was a 1963 graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School and proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Bill has been employed as a corrections officer for the Dutchess County Jail until his retirement in 1994.

Bill was a parishioner at St. Columba Church. He will be remembered as a sports enthusiast, and had volunteered as a coach for East Fishkill Girls Softball League when his daughters were younger. Most of all, his grandchildren were the light of his life, and he never missed their games and activities.

On April 29, 1972 at St. Denis Church, Bill married Diana (Lown) Smith who survives at home. He is also survived by his daughters, Shelly Smith-Winters and her husband Craig of Hopewell Junction and Jennifer Volk and her husband Stephen of Hopewell Junction; his grandchildren, Tyler Winters, Kyle Winters, Stephen Volk, and Julia Volk; his brothers, Ellwin “Butch” Smith and his wife Patti of Hopewell Junction and Raymond Smith of Hopewell Junction; and his grand dogs, Max and Xena. Bill was predeceased by his mother, Julia Smith and his sister, Vivian Smith.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4-8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday at 11 am at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction.

Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Dutchess County SPCA. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.