William Earl "Bill" Smith passed away on January 14, 2022, age 84. Bill is survived by his husband and companion of 49 years, Raymond V."Maka" Rivera Jr., ten nieces Kris, Kim, Lisa, Michele, Kim, Corinne, Elyse, Alesha, Makenna, Amber and six nephews Mark, Jeff, Curtis, Cory, James, Justin, cousins, in laws, and many friends and a huge Hawaiian 'ohana. Bill was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on September 2, 1937, to Frederick Warren and Nettie Lee Smith. He was the youngest of four siblings: sisters Carolyn Sue and Freddie Lee and brother Joe Eugene, all of whom predeceased him. The family moved around a bit, including living in North Hollywood and a Saw Mill town of Marcola, Oregon. Bill and his brother Joe also moved to Wenatchee, WA where they worked for awhile.
At age 17, Bill enlisted in the Navy in 1955, spending four years in the service. After leaving the Navy he had various jobs until, in 1966, he joined the Merchant Marines. Bill traveled on Cruise, Cargo and Container ships all over the world, sending home postcards of exotic places, and bringing home souvenirs for family and friends.
Bill retired from the Seafarers International Union in 2002 after 36 years of service and immediately went to work for the Honolulu Sailors Home, working there for 13 years, including 10 years as manager.
During his career, Bill relocated to Maui,Hawaii in 1969, and, in 1973, met Maka on Maui. They soon relocated to Honolulu in 1976 and Bill lived there the rest of his life.
Please join us to honor this amazing man on April 2, 2022 @ 4:00p.m. at the Hosoi Garden Mortuary on 30 North Kukui St., Hon., HI. Visitation at 3:00 p.m. Mask and proof of full vaccine or negative COVID PCR test taken within 48 hours of the service required. If you would like to view the service by live stream, please e-mail Maka at maka53bill37@gmail.com.
Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
