William Anderson Smith III
William A. Smith III of Dover, New Hampshire, formerly of Winchester, Massachusetts passed away on January 3, 2020 at the age of 93. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Jean Marie Smith in 2011.
Born in Washington DC on August 28, 1926 to William A. Smith II and Alice K. Reilly, Bill spent most of his life in the Boston area including Dorchester, Milton and 55 wonderful years in Winchester. He attended Boston Latin School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1948 despite a two-year timeout to serve in the Navy in World War II. Raytheon Company quickly hired Bill upon graduation and he worked for them until his retirement 43 years later. Bill was head of New Product Development, designed state-of-the-art power tubes for the US Navy and Air Force and had the unique opportunity to be on the design team for the world’s first microwave ovens.
Bill married the love of his life, Jean Marie Morgan in November, 1954. After living their first five years of married life in Milton they moved to Winchester where they raised their four children. During these same years Bill managed to earn a Master’s Degree from Northeastern University, again in Electrical Engineering. The Smith family enjoyed many years in their close-knit neighborhood in Winchester and they were graced with wonderful neighbors and friends. Retirement brought many trips to far off places including winter warmups on tropical islands, but just as memorable were the many summer days spent poolside at the Winchester Swim Club with dear friends.
Bill is survived by Anne Smith Cross and her husband Roger of Orleans, Massachusetts; Bill and Jan Smith of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; Paul and Susan Smith of Dover, New Hampshire and Stephen and Paula Smith of Phoenix, Arizona. Bill, also known as Papa, leaves 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren who will all miss him greatly.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Lane Funeral Home at 10am. All family and friends are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome to the Enka Society or Winchester Trails.