William R. Smith

William Rea Smith, 78, of Newark, IL passed away on Friday April 2, 2021. William was born on November 23, 1942 in Cedar Rapids, IA to Benjamin and Irene (Tufford) Smith.

William was united in marriage on August 1, 1964 to Judith Knoll and they had spent 55 years happily together. William was an avid reader and was a member of the Open Air Classic of Wisconsin Club and PT Cruiser Club. He was also involved in the Masons and Shriners organizations. If you asked his grandchildren, he could fix anything, saying “poppa can fix it”.

William is survived by his 2 daughters, Michal (Seth) Palatnik of Glencoe, IL and Rachel Wawrzynice of Newark, IL; 5 grandchildren, Samantha (Lucas) Benoit, Tyler (Destinee) Sills, Emma, Evan and Ava Palatnik; As well as 3 great grandchildren, Easton and Brynlee Sills and Dawson Benoit.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Judith; 1 son, William E. Smith; His parents; Benjamin W. and Irene Smith And 1 son-in-law, Gregory Wawrzynice.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com