SMITH, William Lavern

William Lavern Smith (Bill) 94 of Huntington Beach California, passed away on Sunday Oct 6, 2024, in Newport Beach, Ca.

Bill was born in Wyandotte County Kansas to Hollis and Lena Smith on May 31, 1930, Bill went to H.S at Wyandotte H.S. in Kansas City Kansas and graduated in 1950.  Bill served our country and enlisted in The United States Airforce in 1951 where he exceled at being a Radar Tech and served overseas in Japan and Korea. He received an honorable discharged in 1955 with a Rank of Staff Sargent. Bill fell in love and Married Elizbeth Smith from Kansas City KS in 1957.Bill went on to earn a BSEE degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas University in 1959.After moving to Santa Monica Ca, He continued his education in Computer Science, Digital design, and signal theory in communications At UCLA AND UCI from 1961 to 1969.During this time He and Beth were raising 3 children. In September of 1959 he entered into the MacAuto division of McDonald Douglas as a Network Engineer and retired from Douglas after 34 years. During his time at Douglas Bill and Beth had bought a home in Huntington Beach, Ca. and had 3 more children. Bill enjoyed Bowling, Scuba diving, coaching sports, Building Kites, Reading, He also learned Mors code and was in an amateur Radio club. Bill was also a mason in his younger years and was involved in countless other clubs throughout his life. Bill went back to school and got his CISCO Certification at the age of 81. He received multiple honors, trophies and awards throughout his life. But Bill would say the best accomplishment in his life would be his family and the endless pursuit of Knowledge. 

Bill would continue to be a student his entire life as well as a Mentor to many.

William is survived by his daughter Kathy Smith of Huntington Beach, Son, Sean Smith of Huntington Beach. Son, Danny Smith of Anaheim, Daughter, Ann Smith of Huntington Beach. Sister Mary Newby. Grandchildren, Caitlyn Smith, Hayden Smith, Ryan Spellins, A.J. Spellins, Jasmin Holbrook, Hailey Holbrook, K.J. Holbrook. He is preceded in death by his Wife Elizabeth Backus Smith, Daughter Susan Smith, Son David Smith, Brother Ted Smith, Brother Fred Morche, Granddaughter Whitney Lynn

William’s service was held on Saturday October 19, 2024, at 10 am at Heritage Dilday, 17911 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, CA.