Bill J Smith

Bill J. Smith, age 99, passed away June 14, 2026. He was born to Bartlett and Velma Smith on July 16, 1926, in Corsicana, TX. Bill graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston. He was a veteran of WW II, serving in the U.S. Navy. Bill received a B.A. Degree from Howard Payne University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Bill pastored churches in Texas and Kansas; his last, First Baptist Church of Bethel, Kansas City, KS. During his ministry, he was active in the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists, serving on a myriad of committees and as a representative from Kansas on the Historic Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.

After retiring from the ministry, Bill worked as a home improvement contractor. He was a member of Nall Avenue Baptist Church for 53 years, where he taught adult Sunday School classes for 28 years.

Bill was a kind, humble man – a good husband, father, and grandfather. He loved God, his family, and the church. He enjoyed reading, fishing, woodworking and maintaining a well-manicured lawn.

He is survived by his wife, Vera Bain Smith married for 75 years; daughters, Karen Gossett, Fort Worth, and Renee Odle (Steve), Overland Park; grandsons, Caden Odle, and Taylor Rone (Marissa); and three great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful to Jessica for her daily care, and Caroline, Mandy, and Ashley from ACG Hospice for their care and concern for our dad.

Family and friends are invited to gather Monday June 22, 2026 at 11:00 for a brief graveside service at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, Overland Park, KS. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Nall Avenue Baptist Church, Overland Park, KS or a charity of your choice.