William "Bill" Dwight Smith

William D. Smith (Bill), age 86, of Apex NC passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC after a brief illness.

Bill was born on May 7, 1938 in Chalybeate Springs, NC to Eva Olivia and R. Hal Smith.

Bill graduated from the local high school and went on to attend Wake Forest University in Winston Salem. He was a member of the first graduating class of Wake Forest University after the campus was moved to Winston Salem from Wake Forest NC. He was a member of the Army ROTC program at Wake Forest.

He went on to join the Army where he rose to the rank of Major. Bill served in Army Intelligence in Korea and Vietnam. Major Smith received the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained while serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. He retired from the Army due to those injuries.

After retiring from the Army, Bill enrolled at NC State University where he worked toward a Masters Degree in Mathematics. Bill went on to teach mathematics at East Cary Middle School until his retirement.

Upon his retirement Bill spent several years as a volunteer delivery driver and serving on the board for Meals on Wheels in Raleigh. He also indulged his passion for travel. He made countless trips to Europe and traveled to Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand, Argentina and a good portion of the United States.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, long time companion Ken Altevogt and niece Pam Webb.

Mr. Smith is survived by his brother Robert (Bob) Smith (Lu), niece Sherry Smith Howe, two great nephews (Kevin and Alex Webb), nephew-in-law (Tim Webb), cousin Danny Howell, close friends Chris Ervay, Judson Carlisle, Don Evins, Randy Mabe and Romey McCoy. He is also survived by his beloved pet cockatoo - Snowflake.

At Bill's request, no visitation or formal memorial service will be held in Raleigh. If you wish to make a contribution in Bill's memory, please donate to Wake Forest University. Contact Web Alexander at alexanwe@wfu.edu.

Major Smith will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a date and time to be determined by Arlington National Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com