Jerry "Bill" Smiley

Jerry Bill Smiley, 74, of Gainesville, Texas, went to meet his Savior this morning. He passed away Friday morning Oct 7, 2011, at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas from complications of a sudden illness.



Bill was born in Madill, Oklahoma to O.R. and Mamie Smiley on August 24, 1937. He graduated from Madill High School and graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He married Mary Margaret Settles of Durant, Oklahoma 47 years ago. He spent most of his life in Gainesville, Texas. Bill comes from a family of thirteen brothers and sisters. He has five boys of his own. Bill was a true man. He loved the Lord and was the rock of his family. He was an unselfish, loving, tender, yet strong man. If you knew Bill, you could not miss that special twinkle in his eye. Bill loved football and thrived on watching his sons coach and his grandsons play. The only time he drove fast was to get to a ballgame! His other passion was spending time at the lake camping with his family. He had a very special bond with his brothers Pat Smiley, Blake Smiley, and Mike Smiley. Bill drove a bus route for Gainesville ISD and loved every one of his students. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, Dad, and Dada.



Mr. Smiley is survived by his wife Mary Margaret; son Michael Smiley, son David Smiley, son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Kelley Smiley, son and daughter-in-law Scott and Charlotte Smiley, and son and daughter-in-law Stewart and Melissa Smiley, seven grandchildren Morgan Smiley, Hayden Smiley, Hunter Smiley, Brooke Smiley, Landry Smiley, Avery Smiley, Libby Smiley, and one great-grandchild, Paxton Smiley. He is also survived by eight siblings and many nieces and nephews.



Mr. Smiley was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.



There will be a visitation at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home From 6:00 - 7:00 PM Monday October 10, 2011 for family and friends.



The celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the Geo. J Carroll & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Gainesville, Texas with Pastor Tom Rogers of Grace Bible Church Wichita Falls, Texas, officiating and Rev. Glenn Kersey of First Baptist Church Valley View assisting. The family will have a private burial before the memorial service.