William Russell Smalley

William “Bill” Russell Smalley, 75

William Russell Smalley of Lakeland passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital in Orlando.

William was born November 2, 1948 in Bethesda, Maryland to the late Russell and Ruth Smalley. The family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1954 where he graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1966. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, specializing in the Pershing Missile program. After serving William moved to Orlando, Florida in 1987 where he worked as an engineer for Martin-Marietta and later Coleman Aerospace. He moved to Lakeland from Orlando six years ago. William enjoyed anything that involved being outside, including fishing, camping, and canoeing. He also enjoyed cooking, working on cars, and held great pride in serving at the American Legion. William was a very smart and clever individual who could find a way to build or make anything. He loved his family dearly.

William is survived by his daughters, Christa Keyes and husband Travis of Haines City and Erin McVay and husband Curtis of Greensburg, Kentucky; sister Marian Linda Smalley of Greenwood Lake, New York; grandchildren, Kailyn, Karina, Lucien, Jocelyn, Sarai, and Conner; and great-grandchild, Desmond.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 4th at 11 am at the American Legion Post 8 in Winter Haven. An interment service will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on Tuesday, November 5th at 11 am. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the American Legion Post 8 in Winter Haven, Fl.