Mr. William “Bill” Frank Smylie

Services for Mr. William “Bill” Frank Smylie, 98 of Kilgore, will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home at two o’clock in the afternoon with Reverend Will Wilson officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Danville Cemetery with military honors. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Rader Funeral Home from five until seven o’clock in the afternoon. Mr. Smylie completed his earthly journey on Thursday, January 18, 2024, in Kilgore surrounded by his loving family.

William was born on September 10, 1925, in Houston, Texas, to Kathrine Massie Smylie and William R. Smylie. He graduated from M. B. Lamar High School class of 1942. William continued his education at Texas A&M University receiving a certificate of management seminar before serving his county abroad in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his release from active duty, William attended the University of Houston and graduated in 1948 earning his bachelor’s degree in business and science. Mr. Smylie went on to work for United Gas Corporation as an engineer before being recalled to active duty by the United States Navy during the Korean War. Upon his second release from active duty, William continued to serve in the Navy reserves while working for Gulf Oil Corporation. Afterwards he worked as a geologist for numerous locations across south, central, offshore and in East Texas. William moved to Kilgore from Beaumont in 1971 with the Gulf Oil Corporation. In 1983, he retired after 30 years from Gulf Oil Corporation and the United States Navy.

Mr. Smylie married the love of his life, Ouida Moore Smylie, in May of 1983. He was extremely involved in the Kilgore Community. Just to list a few organizations of which he was a member: the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Division of Professional Affairs, President of Beaumont Texas Geological Society, Holland Masonic Lodge #1, Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, Kilgore Notary Club, P & Z Commission, and lifetime member of the PTA. William was an avid supporter of the Shakespeare Festival and American Institute for Research. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kilgore, serving as an Elder, Deacon, and Sunday school teacher. In William’s free time he enjoyed golfing and fishing. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of forty years, Ouida Smylie of Kilgore; sons William Smylie of California and Steve Smylie and girlfriend Thea Furtney of Longview; step-son David Odom and wife Ann of Kilgore; grandchildren Stephanie Smylie of Fort Worth, Paul Smylie of Houston, Scott Smylie of Houston and Lisa Odom; great-granddaughter Madalyn DuBose of Fort Worth; niece Debbie Moore; nephews Ronnie Moore and wife Sharon of Lake of the Pines and James Alvin Stephens of Kilgore; great-nephew Shannon Moore of Lake of the Pines along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family members.

William was reunited with his parents, Kathrine and William Smylie and infant sister.

In lieu of flowers the Smylie family requested that memorial donation be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Kilgore located at 815 E. Main St., Kilgore, Texas, 75662.

Online condolences may be left at www.raderfuneralhome.com