On Wednesday, May 08, 2024 William James Smith, beloved husband and devoted father of five, passed away at age seventy-five. He was raised in Richmond, California and born on November 6, 1947. He was the firstborn child of Geneva and Jeff McFarland. After graduating high school, Bobby joined the Navy and served in the Vietnam War. As a civilian, he held a host of jobs until his retirement from NASA AMES Air Force base, where he worked as a civilian Logistics Manager, in 2003.

During this time, William became the proud father of four children: Tamara (Tammy), Angel, William Jr., and Antonio (Tony). In early 1987, William met his current wife Delva while working as the store manager of Montgomery Ward. Delva was purchasing new tires for her car with Nana, her mother. William told his staff not to wait on her because he would be attending to her personally. While waiting for their turn, Nana noticed William and mentioned to Delva that he was cute. Delva, was preoccupied with trying to get new tires to notice him, but that didn't stop William.

Over the next three months, he called and left her messages until she finally accepted to go on a date with him. William and Delva got married on December 12, 1987, and gave birth to their daughter, Geneva, the following year.

True to his Bay Area roots, William was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Giants, and Golden State Warriors. He had a love for murder mysteries, science fiction shows/movies, and musicals. In the evenings, you could find him bouncing between Little Shop of Horrors and sports and then ending the night with Law & Order. He also enjoyed spending time with family and playing spades and bid whist.

William was best known for his humor, laid back demeanor, and generous spirit. Those closest to him can attest to the fact that his time in the Navy had a great impact on him because, like the saying goes, he cussed like a sailor but said "please" and "thank you" like a saint. He loved animals and had many pets throughout his life, including fish, birds, iguanas, hamsters, and dogs.

William is preceded in death by his parents, Geneva and Jeff McFarland, and his grandmother Rhoda C. Haines. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Delva; his brothers Kenneth (Loretta) and Michael (Bridgette) and their families; his children Tamara, Angel (Juanita), William Jr., Antonio (Ingrid), and Geneva (Jamar); 14 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and friends.