William Carl “Butch/Pap” Smith, Jr, age 62, of Tippecanoe, passed away suddenly, Sunday, July 28, 2024, at his home after a period of declining health.
Born September 20, 1961, in Parkersburg, WV he was the son of Annaliese Smith of Hartville and the late William Carl Smith, Sr.
Butch married his soulmate, Sheila (White) Smith on April 4, 1987. The two of them shared a life of adventure and love until her passing on September 9, 2006. He was a second-generation pinsetter mechanic, a trade his father passed down onto him, which Butch then passed onto his grandson. He spent many enjoyable years working for his lifelong friend Fred Borden at Stonehenge Lanes in Akron until his retirement.
Butch was born a true cowboy at heart, loving western movies, especially anything starring John Wayne, riding his horse Smoke, and even being known for his cowboy attire in which he dressed proudly. He lived for the weekend camping events on his property with his family and friends. Some of the best memories they all shared was being around the campfire.
A great accomplishment of his younger years was being a Golden Gloves Boxer, looking up to his idol, Muhammad Ali, whom he could watch with amazement for hours on end, sharing his knowledge and love for both the boxer and sport with his family. The great Ali once said, “Live everyday as if it were your last because someday, you’re going to be right”, and Butch truly did just that.
Surviving in addition to his mother are his daughters Michelle (Charles “Chuck”) Woods of New Philadelphia and Ashley (Corey) Jones of Springfield, MO, grandchildren Brandon (Theresa Dailey) White of Tippecanoe, Quinton (Amanda Brink) White of New Philadelphia, Alexis (Nate Peters) Woods of Tippecanoe, Caleb (Olivia Weaver) Woods of Carrollton, a great granddaughter Kali White, a brother and two sisters Jeff (Missy) Smith and Debbie Smith both of Hartville, and Cheryl Ann Smith Leininger of Springfield Township.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his loyal German Shepherd, Lars. Although no one was ready to say goodbye to the man who never failed to make anyone laugh, there is comfort in knowing Butch is now with his beloved wife he missed so dearly. Honoring Butch’s wishes, he will be cremated with no services. Koch Funeral Home in Freeport has been entrusted with his arrangements.
Koch Funeral Home, LLC
216 S. High Street
Freeport, OH 43973
740.658.3470
www.kochfuneralhome.net
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