William Smith, 64

GILMANTON — William "Bill" Smith, 64, passed away peacefully at his home, after a brief battle with cancer, on Jan. 6, 2026. He was surrounded by his devoted wife of 45 years, Jill, his children and their spouses, five grandchildren scattered throughout the house fast asleep, beloved grand-dog Reese by his side, and his long-time little sister Heidi.

Straight out of high school, Bill enlisted in the military and served four years. He then started his lifelong passion working with his father in construction, William A. Smith GC, moved on to Mooney Corp for a short time, and then settled with CCI, becoming their first employee and dedicated 35 years of his life until he retired.

Bill’s biggest work accomplishments as a project super throughout New Hampshire include but are not limited to: Church Landing, Mills Falls, Bay Point, Pats Peak, Peverly’s Barn, many Common Mans, The Flying Monkey, 93 North Rest Stop, and many more. Bill wasn’t a boss — he was a leader. He took the time to make people feel like they weren’t just a worker on a job but part of something so much more, because to him they were. Bill was the puzzle master of life making sure everything fit even if he had to smash it into place, and that stands for family friends and work.

Bill’s thirst for life was large. He had many memories with lifelong friends full of adventure and stories that were on repeat for decades — lots of camping, NASCAR, pig roasts, bird hunting, snowmobiling, entertaining at their home, etc. By his side through it all was his anchor in life, Jill. They spent a total of 50 years together and were engaged on Christmas Eve 46 years ago. This Christmas Eve 2025, they renewed their vows in a quaint church ceremony that was long and well overdue.

Bill and Jill’s son, Ryan, married Alicia (Bean) in 2011, while his daughter Arica married Jacob Caldwell in 2012. Alicia and Jacob completed the family in more than words can say and Bill considered them his children. They did not hesitate one moment when called upon for help and gave the most beautiful love and care of not only Bill, but his wife, children and grandchildren over the past two months, which is an honor worth mentioning.

In 2014, Bill earned the prestigious title of B when his two grandsons, Jamison Ruger Caldwell and Colton James Smith, came into the world. He was so excited he put them on his license plate “2PSTOLS.” In 2015, he was blessed with two granddaughters, Jayde Reese Caldwell and Chloe Lynn Smith, who he absolutely adored and thought were the most beautiful girls in the world. His final grandson, Cody Cash Smith, was born in 2017, and little did we all know he will carry on Bill’s quick witted sense of humor and will never hesitate to laugh at his own jokes. Bill was not only B to his family but many other children and some friends as well — it was almost who he was meant to be all along. A giant lovable man with a hard exterior yet his big warm heart is something if you were lucky enough to know, you will never forget. His legacy of living in the fast lane will be immensely missed by many.

Bill’s services will be held at Church Landing, in the Winnipesaukee Ballroom, from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22.

Please do not send flowers, but instead donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 — with Bill’s veteran ties, this would mean a lot to him.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.