Bill Grant Smiley

Funeral services for William "Bill" Smiley will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming with Father Tim Martinson officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 25 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 7 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home. Bill Smiley, age 81 of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the Close To Home Hospice House after a long illness. Bill was born August 26, 1930 in Boswell, Indiana, the son of Marion and Mildred (Duncan) Smiley. He graduated in 1949 from Fort Pierre High School in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. After high school, Bill met the love of his life, Marie Brave, and they were married on October 18, 1951 in Fort Pierre. Soon after marriage, Bill was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1953. After receiving an honorable discharge, Bill returned to Fort Pierre, South Dakota where he went to work for Skelly Oil.In 1973, Bill and Marie moved their family to Sheridan, Wyoming. Bill worked as a maintenance supervisor with the Sheridan School District until his retirement in 1993. Bill and Marie then moved to Gillette, Wyoming in 2007 to be close to family. Bill was an avid hunter and wood worker. He was happiest spending time playing cards and games, especially with his grandchildren. He was proud to be a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Lodge. Bill was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was proud to be called "Grandpa" by many others and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Bill is survived by his wife Marie, daughters: Marilyn Harrell of Springfield, Missouri; Kathy Novotny of Gillette, Wyoming; Billie Jo (Bill) McKinley of Jefferson City, Missouri; sons: Kevin Smiley of Gillette, Wyoming; Dan (Amy) Smiley of Kadoka, South Dakota; one brother Darrell Smiley of Cleveland, Minnesota as well as 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Mildred Smiley; siblings Paul, Robert, Claire, Jo, Bonnie, and grandson Jarid William McKinley. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Bill's name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Memorials to benefit Close to Home Hospice House. Condolences may also be sent via the website www.walkerfuneralhome.com.Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716