William "Bill" Marshall Smith

Chief Engineer William "Bill" Marshall Smith, 82, of  Morehead City, surrounded by his family, peacefully left this world for his final voyage on Sunday morning, October 6, 2019, at Carteret Health Care.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at St. Peters United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Karl A. Zorowski.

Bill loved the water.  He left home to work on the high seas at just 16 years old and spent over 55 years on the water.  He worked and studied hard, earning his Chief Engineer license at age 21, an astonishing accomplishment even today. During his career Bill worked on 2 tugs, 4 dredges, 3 NC State Ferries, and 2 small freighters, in addition to fishing local waters on his own boat during his spare time. Bill's technical knowledge and experience was always in demand.  Even after his retirement the phone continued ringing with calls from colleagues requesting engineering advice.

Bill was always there for those he loved with any support needed.  His greatest love was cooking.  He found joy in feeding others and was well known for his clam chowder. Bill grew up working in his stepfather’s diner from the time he could stand on a bottle crate.  At 16 while working with his uncle on a small freighter he saw the chief engineer chair by the captains and decided that was what he wanted to be.  With hard work and determination Bill earned his chief engineer license in just five years and maintained that license for 50 years.

Bill was a kindhearted generous soul and will be missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Joyce; children Marshall Thompson, Pamela Ayers, Ramona Smith, Chris Smith; stepchildren, James Brown and Jae Lockhart; 11 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother Elva Valoras; father, Henry Smith; sister, Margie White; son, Jeff Thompson; grandmother, Annie Hill; and grandfather, Henry Hill.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations can be made to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 111 Hodges St., Morehead City, NC 28557.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.