William Lee Smith Jr.

With heavy hearts, the Family announces the passing of William "Bill" Smith on the morning of Saturday, October 12, 2024. Bill died peacefully, surrounded by his wife Andrea, his children Shannon, Tyler, and Zachary, his sister Cam, and his beloved grandchildren. Bill was a man of exceptional intellect, boundless curiosity, and humility. Those fortunate enough to know him admired his sharp wit, balanced perspective, and rare ability to connect deeply through written word, photography, and authentic human interactions. Though calm and measured in most things—except perhaps the occasional errant golf shot—he was profoundly thoughtful, decisive, and driven by a passion for uncovering the mysteries of the natural world through science. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bill was raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, alongside his younger sisters Donna and Cam. His formative years were shaped by his adoring mother, Jean, and his strong-minded father, Bill Sr. In high school, his family relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he graduated in 1963 as a Fort Collins High School Lambkin. Summers on his father’s ranch near Granby, Colorado, introduced him to the rigors of ranching, which cultivated a steadfast work ethic that would later fuel his academic and professional pursuits. Bill attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he initially played baseball and quickly discovered his knack for chemistry. Encouraged by mentors, he pursued a Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Michigan, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley. His academic journey led him to teaching and research positions at Michigan State University (1975-2003) and later the University of Michigan (2003-2015). He served as chair in both biochemistry departments. Bill contributed, in his estimation, more than 60,000 hours to his field over his distinguished career. He served as the Associate Editor for the Journal of Biochemistry, was a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Council and was co-editor in chief for the Journal of Lipid Research. He also received numerous accolades including the Avanti Award in Lipids, Bayer Corporate Senior Aspiring Award, the Michigan State Scientist of the Year Award, the ASBMB William C Rose Award for exemplary contributions to education and The University of Michigan Distinguished Faculty Lectureship Award in Biomedical Research. While Bill’s achievements were notable, he will be most remembered in his field for his guidance, friendship, teamwork, and advocacy for his students, faculty, colleagues and administration. Equally important was his role as a husband and father. He met Andrea Johnson while living in the same apartment building on Ann Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Enchanted by her work ethic, trustworthiness and commitment, Bill quickly fell in love. They married on December 21, 1968, and spent 55 devoted years together, building a life of love, resilience, and partnership. Bill was forever grateful that Andrea’s ability to manage the domestic front allowed him the time necessary to build his career. Together, they raised three children, Shannon (1973), Tyler (1975) and Zachary (1979), in Okemos, Michigan, instilling in them the values of family, hard work, education, frugality, and healthy eating. When his children were young, Bill arrived home at five o’clock for family dinners and then played games of street tennis, driveway basketball and backyard baseball followed by helping with baths and bedtime stories. He often returned to the laboratory or worked into the night by the fireplace. As the children grew older, he became the spectator to their sports and school activities, ever a proud father. Summers brought traditional family trips to his parents and family in Colorado experiencing his former ranch life, and to Andrea’s parents’ cottage on Little Glen Lake in Leelanau Peninsula surrounded by water sports, tennis, trampoline, sand dunes, and jeeping. Later, travel expanded to various parts of the country and one-on-one travels with his grown children to Europe. Bill was pleased that Shannon, Tyler and Zachary all completed college degrees, established professional careers, married into loving families, and enjoy being parents themselves. The grandchildren created a new beginning for Bill and based on quality time he spent, and the collections of photographs he took, each grandchild filled a special place in his heart. After retiring in 2015, Bill and Andrea embraced the warmth of Tucson, Arizona, spending winters in the Oro Valley, Sun City community. They found joy in golf, dinner parties, performances, and even e-bike rides as mobility became more challenging for Bill. Ever the scholar, Bill delved into genealogy research and penned his reflections, documenting the legacy he would leave behind. In his final 15 years, Bill faced a complex health prognosis of heart failure with courage and humor. His deep understanding of his medical challenges allowed him to manage his condition with remarkable fortitude until the end. In his last days, he shared heartfelt, teary goodbyes with his family and found the strength to call numerous close friends, neighbors and colleagues to express his gratitude. His passing was marked by a profound stillness and peace, a testament to the depth of his character and the love he cultivated throughout his life. Bill leaves behind his wife Andrea Kay Smith; his children Shannon Elise McGinnis (Gray), Tyler Lee Smith (Rosy), and William Zachary Smith (Niru); his sisters, Donna Jean Flemming (Jim), and Caroline Sue Olofson, and his half sisters, Mary Smith (Dan) and Darcee Muchmore (James); his nine grandchildren, Faith, Daisy, William, David, Cole, Elyse, Jake, Niam, and Rajai and a vast network of extended family, friends, colleagues, and students. He follows his late parents, William Lee Smith Sr. and Martha Jean Vandervoort. In Bill’s memory, we honor his contributions in education, celebrate his life, and carry forward his love for discovery, family, and the infinite wonders of the universe. We say goodbye to the foundation of our family, a pillar of the scientific community, and a man who made a positive and lasting impact in the world.

Tributes

William Lee Smith Jr.

October 28, 1945 - October 12, 2024