William Henry Smith was born on March 23, 1936 in Anderson South Carolina to Bertha Smith (deceased) and Len Smith (deceased). They moved to South Camden in 1937 were he resided most of his life. He graduated from Camden High School in 1954.  Soon after high school he enlisted in the Army where he studied electronics. Shortly after discharge from the Army he was employed at Univac and RCA in Camden County.   Bill was admitted into the Camden City Fire Academy on June 29th 1965.  On August 2nd   1965 he officially completed the basic fire-training course and became one of the first African American Fireman in the Camden City NJ Fire Department.  He received multiple citations, which included  “Outstanding performance of duty or service” during the following fires: Shipboard fire at Camden Marine Terminal on 2/1/1974  Removal of occupants from a multi- dwelling house fire on 9/2,1980 He was promoted to Captain of the Camden City Fire Department on November 4th 1982 where he served tirelessly.  He was also responsible for the advancement of many African American men in the Fire Department of Camden City. Bill retired from the Camden City Fire Department on September 30th 1994. After he retired, he stayed active and he held positions at Parcel Post, and various security positions in Camden County.  Bill was known as  “Cool Papa” which described both his dapper and suave sense for fashion – everything had to match! He was also called “ Cadillac Bill”. He loved Cadillac so much that he ordered    a new Cadillac every 2 years.    He was also known for his sense of humor.  Bill had a very well rounded vocabulary and would literally talk circles around you so much that it would either make you stop and say, “ What did He say?” Or he would you send you on a wild goose chase with his stories if you let him. Bill also battled with 2  “Spirits” during his lifetime.  However, the Holy Spirit won and changed everything! On January 2, 2013 he had a Lazarus like experience and   came back from the dead better than ever with a new found love and respect for God and appreciation of his family.    Despite his medical condition, Bill never lost his sense of humor and zest for life. During his hospitalizations, he kept you laughing with his crazy jokes and stories -never once focusing on his problems. The visit usually ended with him singing,  “You’ll never find another love like mine.” However, his favorite church song sung to him by his wife as he departed this life this past Sunday was  “ No body greater, No body greater, nobody greater than you”.     William Henry Smith was predeceased by Bertha Smith  (mother) Len Smith father.   Len (June) Smith Jr brother, Ethel Spearman (sister).  Gladys Clayton (sister), Lennie Scott (sister), Shauna Smith granddaughter. He leaves  behind a  legacy to cherish his memory  his beloved wife Loree  Smith ;   3 sister- in laws; 2 brother –in laws;  three children - Linda Holloway, Curtis Wilson  and William Smith Jr.;  one daughter-in law- Darcella Mercer- Wilson ;  seven  grand- children- Shabrina Holloway, Tahira Holloway , Christina Wilson, Cassandra Wilson ,  Tori Jones ,  William Smith Jr III,    and Theresa  Jones ; eleven great grand- children;  Kamar Jones ,  Kimora Jones,  Hassan Henderson,  Haniyah Washington , Haneef  Jones ,   Neveah Tate , Trenace Holloway, Linda Ingram, Kayla Ingram, Briana Ingram and   Jayla Williamson and a host of nieces  including Yolanda and Zionnei, nephews, relatives  and friends including  a special thank  you to Jimmy and Crystal Lee.   We love you and especially your sense of humor. You will be greatly missed–until we meet again… Sorrowfully, The Family