William Edward Smith, 62, of Gloucester, Virginia, passed away on October 24, 2024. Born on April 22, 1962 in Lynchburg, Virginia, William, affectionately known as Eddie, graduated from George Stone Technical High School in 1980 and embarked on a distinguished career at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, beginning as a machine shop trainee. Throughout his 38 years of federal service, he earned an enviable reputation for his technical expertise, ingenuity and dependability; ultimately retiring from government service as a WG-10 Electrician in 2018. Thereafter, he was a quality assurance associate with the Food Lion in Saluda and a member of the production staff for the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal, while additionally performing delivery services, material handling and forklift operations.

Although a man of few words in his youth, Eddie became more talkative and engaging in his later years revealing a thoughtful intellect that might otherwise have been underestimated. He was an ever-present and devoted husband, father of four, grandfather of eight, great-grandfather of one, and friend to many.

Eddie was a faithful member of Newington Baptist Church and enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests including geocaching, hiking, bike riding, automotive repair, camping, and 3D printing. Known for his lively spirit, quick wit, and great sense of humor, he frequently amused his family and friends with pranks and practical jokes.

He leaves behind a loving wife, Regina; daughter, Krystal Smith (mother of Dustin Lucas, James Bollinger (father of Eddie’s only great-grandchild Jessie Siron), Joey Peterson and Jasmine Harper); daughter, Amber (Bill) Peterson (mother of Jacob Amethyst Mosier and Sam Mosier Jr.); son, Tony Smith, and son, Jesse (Rebecca) Smith (father of William V. Smith and Michael Smith). He also leaves behind a sister, Marie (Curtis) Dervaloy, and a brother, Kevlin Sibley.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, George Edward Smith and Laura Lynn Sibley, and his brother, Willie Elmo Coleman Jr.

Visitation will be held at Newington Baptist Church in Gloucester, on November 1, 2024 at 11 a.m., with a funeral service at noon. This will be followed by a graveside service and a celebration of life gathering in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Gideons International in memory of William Edward Smith.