William (Bill) Harry Smart

William (Bill) Harry Smart, loved by all who knew him, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 12th in Tiger, Georgia.

 Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 5th, 1941.  He and his wife, Susan, were married for 53 years and lived in Ypsilanti, Michigan before relocating to Lake Burton.  Bill worked at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti for 34 years and held numerous positions at the university.  During his tenure, Bill oversaw the construction of numerous new facilities and implemented energy conservation programs as the university experienced extensive growth.  

Upon his retirement from Eastern Michigan University, he and Susan moved to the family summer home on Lake Burton in northeast Georgia.  At Lake Burton, they built a new home and an expanded circle of friends.  Bill and Susan have been active in the Clayton Presbyterian Church, and he enjoyed delivering food and firewood through the local ministries.  Bill’s favorite pastime was restoring antiques, especially clocks.  Bill could often be found perusing flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores.

Bill is survived by wife Susan, daughter Melissa and her longtime mate Phillip Belcher, and son Kevin and wife Cathy and their daughters Morgan and Madeleine.  Other close family include Bill’s sister Margaret and family, Bill’s brother Doug’s wife Linda Smart and family, and Susan’s sister-in-law Dee DeBra and family.  Extended family include many cousins from Bill’s family in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada. 

Bill was a friend to all he met.  

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton, GA, on Tuesday, July 24th at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Clayton Presbyterian Church at PO Box 734, Clayton, GA 30525 or the Rabun Christian Food Ministry at PO Box 1955, Clayton, GA 30525.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

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