In the early morning hours of December 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, Reverend William O. Smith, 94, completed his earthly journey and went home to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Kingswood Church, 302 N. State St., Geneseo, IL 61254. The service will be officiated by Reverend Dr. Christopher Ritter. Visitation will be at the church from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the William Smith Memorial Fund.
Born into the humble beginnings of a farmhouse in Pontiac, Illinois, on June 11, 1931, to Logan Smith and Mary Ellis, William grew to become a man whose life was defined by an unwavering faith and generous hands.
A graduate of the Class of 1955 at Olivet Nazarene College, William answered the call to ministry and dedicated his life to shepherding others. For 38 years, he served as a faithful pastor in the Church of the Nazarene, guiding congregations across the Midwest, from Pierson, Iowa, to Peoria and East Moline, Illinois; through Ottumwa and Sioux City, Iowa; and finally, to Frankfort, Kentucky. Even in retirement, his heart for service never rested; he continued to preach the gospel, traveled for the Nazarene Publishing House selling books, and gave a decade of hard work to Farm & Fleet. He also loved repairing small engines and buying and reselling boats, always providing a deal to help people out. He was known for giving back in selfless, honorable ways.
But William knew that God’s presence was not confined to the walls of a church building. He found his sanctuary outdoors, in the quiet of the woods and the stillness of the water. An avid hunter, fisherman, and cook, he cherished a tradition that spanned over half a century: his annual pilgrimage to a cabin in Brainerd, Minnesota. What began as a retreat for pastors blossomed into a beloved family legacy, a time to boat, fish, and admire God’s country surrounded by the people he loved most. It was on the water that William cultivated what became known as his ministry of fish. He served God by serving others, taking great care to catch, clean, and deliver fresh filets to those who could no longer cast a line themselves, especially family, friends, and those in need. Though he preached countless sermons, many will remember him best for these quiet acts of compassion, his steady encouragement, and the practical way he fed both body and spirit.
Above all, William was a man devoted to his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Charlotte Smith, whom he married on December 22, 1951, in Pontiac, Illinois; this December 22nd would have been their 74th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a life founded on faith and deep affection. William's absence will be monumental, and his prayers at family gatherings and holidays will be forever missed. His legacy lives on through the generations he adored: his children, David (Judy) Smith, Timothy, Charlene (Tom) DeKezel, and Todd; his grandchildren, Zachary (Jessica) Smith, Courtney (Adam) Benke, Ryan Elliott, Logan Smith, Jason Franklin, Brian Tate, and Stephanie Tate; and his great grandchildren, Bennett, Brennan Benke, and Sage Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Wilma, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Logan and Mary Smith; his son, Reverend David Smith; his daughter-in-law, Joy Smith; and his siblings, Darrell, Barbara, and Thomas Smith.
