VIRGINIA BEACH — William “Bill” Thomas Smith passed away peacefully at Sentara Hospice House in Virginia Beach on Dec. 3, 2018.

He was a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, born on Oct. 3, 1945.

He was the son of the late Vernon Jefferson Smith and Martha Beale Netto.

Bill is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Rodney Bowles; and nephew, Jeffrey Bowles.

He was a 1965 graduate of Cradock High School.

In his early years he worked for Sheraton Hotel Corporation and, after lengthy service, retired from J.C. Penny Company.

The graveside service will be at Beechwood Cemetery in Boykins, Virginia, on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sentara Foundation Hampton Roads, 6015 Poplar Hall Dr., Suite 308, Norfolk, VA 23502. Checks should notate the donation is for Hospice House.

Condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralhome.org.