William Jerome “Bill” Smith, Jr., age 83, of Adrian, died Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026, surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home while under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. Born August 3, 1942, in Detroit, he was the third of four children of William and Helen (Maiburger) Smith.
Bill lived his early life in Sand Creek where he attended grade school. At the age of 18, he answered the call of service and selflessly enlisted in the United States Navy in 1960. Later that year on October 22, he married the love of his life, the former Rose Marie Spencley, also a Sand Creek native. They lived several years near the naval base in Connecticut while he was stationed on the USS Fulton. Together they raised a family of four children and recently celebrated a remarkable 65-year journey of wonderful memories.
Returning to civilian life, Bill embarked on what would become a dedicated 33-year tenure with the United Parcel Service. He worked out of the Adrian branch in several roles, but most enjoyed his routes in Jasper and Sand Creek. He retired in 1998 after being awarded the Circle of Honor, as well as being recognized with over one million miles of safe driving.
Bill was a longtime member of the Adrian American Legion Post 97 and the Adrian Moose. He loved his community and seemingly everyone knew and loved “Smitty”. An excellent provider, he was committed to being the best family man and father he could be, teaching his children core life principles and modeling for them a strong work ethic. He loved to cook—known especially for his famous tacos and apple pies, and was meticulous in his care of his home, woodworking, landscaping and garden. He had a deep appreciation for animals and nature, and enjoyed camping throughout his life. For many years, he enjoyed spending family time at his cabin in Harrison on Cranberry Lake, enjoying watersports or snowmobiling depending on the season. In recent years, his greatest joy came from the blessings of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Rose, is a son, Scott Smith of Adrian; two daughters, Dawn (David) Salazar and Kim (David George) Coudron of Adrian; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Brandi, Kenny, Brittley, Kendra, Alexander and Brooke; and seventeen great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Wendy Smith; and his three siblings, Beverly Morse, Patsy Southwell, and Derek Smith.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday morning, from 10:00 a.m. until a funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bruce Jewett will officiate the service and military honors will be accorded by the Adrian American Legion Post 97. Cremation will follow and inurnment will take place at a later date at Fairfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Jasper Bible Church or to Share the Warmth of Lenawee. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.