William "Bill" Smart

William H. “Bill” Smart, 87, of Rushville, Illinois, passed away at 12:50 pm on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, Illinois.

Bill was brought into the world by Doc Sollis on May 7, 1938, in rural Herrick, Illinois, the son of Hollie Wayne and Vera (Anderson) Smart. In 1965, he was united in marriage to Judith Robertson, they were later divorced. On April 5, 1980, he was united in marriage to Linda Ellen Prather in Rushville, she preceded him in death on October 24, 2024.

Bill attended Center School (A one-room schoolhouse) near his childhood home until its closing. He then went to Oconee school and attended high school in Pana. He took a year break from school to care for his family when his sister was very ill and returned to graduate from Pana High School in 1957. In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Navy, along with his brother Melvin. He served four years, receiving his honorable discharge. He went on to work for the State of Illinois, Oscar Mayer for twenty years, First National Bank of Beardstown, Kozy Korner, and Ayerco. He was an active member of his community, volunteering at Culbertson Memorial Hospital and the Help Center, where he took special pride in raising and lowering the flag on a daily basis. He was also a faithful member of Frederick Christian Church, serving in many capacities. He enjoyed rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. Bill loved to visit and never met a stranger. He will always be remembered for his quick, quirky wit and the many stories he was always willing to share.

Bill is survived by his son Eric (Melinda) Smart of rural Browning, Illinois; his grandson Brett Smart of rural Browning; two brothers: Kenny (Carol) Smart of Herrick, Illinois, and Larry (Karla) Smart of Tower Hill, Illinois; three sisters: Joy Winter of Shelbyville, Illinois, Helen Baker of Jonesville, Louisiana, and Carolyn Bouchez of Pana, Illinois; his brother-in-law Randall (Darlene) Prather of Mindale, Illinois, his sister-in-law Patty (Dale) Davis of Rushville, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Mervin, Melvin and Garold Smart; sister June Rehfelt; three sisters-in-law: Diana Ocheltree, Dorothy Smart and Garnett Smart; and his brother-in-law Steve Ocheltree.

Funeral services honoring Bill's life will be conducted at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Triplett & Wood Funeral Home of Rushville. Interment will follow at Rushville City Cemetery in Rushville. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 pm on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Bill are suggested to 2x4’s for Hope or to the Frederick Christian Church. You are invited to share your memories of Bill and leave a condolence at www.triplettwood.com 

Floral tributes and memorial gifts may be viewed at

https://my.gather.app/remember/william-smart-2025