William Charles Smith

William "Billy" Charles Smith, 79, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2026, at home.

Bill was born in Toledo, Ohio, to the late William and Evelyn (Poley) Smith. He attended Sylvania High School, where he played football and excelled as a wrestler. He went on to wrestle at Bowling Green State University, where he was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta. He served in the National Guard from 1967 to 1973.

On July 25, 1970, he married the love of his life, Darlene (DeNune), and together they built a life full of friends, laughter, and plans — most of which Bill made. He was preceded in death by his brother Ronald. He is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene; his sons, Todd (Bari) and Brett (Kimberly); and six grandchildren who adored him: Annabelle, Layla, and Durant (children of Todd and Sara), Sailor, Brooks, and his birthday buddy Brody (Brett and Kim), and brother John (Sheilah), sisters LuAnn (George) and Denise (Steve). He was also blessed with more friends than anyone could begin to list.

Bill was a car salesman for 55+ years and if you ever crossed his path on a lot, you probably drove home in something used, or new. Sales wasn't just his profession; it was his personality. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything, and usually did.

His grandchildren were his greatest joy. Bill would travel anywhere to watch them run track, wrestle, dance, play soccer, basketball, or T-ball. He'd sit poolside for hours watching them swim, pitch to them in the yard, and take them sledding when there was snow. He lived for their tight hugs and loved nothing more than teasing them.

Bill was Darlene's social chairman. He was always making plans, calling someone, and on the go. Dinner at QQ's, Fairway's or The Beirut with friends — if there was something happening, Bill had arranged it. The only two things that could slow him down were good company and his pontoon boat on Devil's Lake.

Bill loved the sun. On vacation, he'd be up early to claim the best spot at the beach or pool, where he'd settle in with his favorite songs from the '50s and '60s. From there, he'd people-watch, make new friends, and call home just to ask, "What's it doing there?" He had a gift for turning strangers into friends before lunch.

Mowing the lawn was therapy, and his sons' endurance test — Todd and Brett’s chore, which was done by the time he showed them how. He was also a man who could dance, and not just the old standards. Bill could hit the Griddy with surprising confidence. And if you had the time, he had a story.

Bill lived a full and deeply connected life. He showed up for his family, his friends, and grandchildren. He will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, and warmly remembered by the many lives he touched with his humor, generosity, and refusal to ever stay home when there were people to see.

The family extends special thanks to Brad Hesser for his immediate, off-duty response.

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VISITATION

Sunday, March 8, 2026
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Reeb Funeral Home
5712 Main Street, Sylvania, OH 43560

FUNERAL SERVICE

Sunday, March 8, 2026
5:00 PM
Reeb Funeral Home
5712 Main Street, Sylvania, OH 43560

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to a charity of your choice.

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