William Russell Smith, avid fisherman

William (Bill) Russell Smith, 93, a resident of Rehoboth Beach since 1986, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, at Christiana Hospital in Newark, with family members by his side.  Born in Holmes, Pa., Aug. 12, 1926, Mr. Smith graduated from Ridley Township High School and attended Pennsylvania Military College, now Widener University. He served with the U.S. Marines during World War II, including participation in the Battle of Peleliu in the Pacific.

Subsequently, he married the former Joan Marie Rehrman and settled in Springfield Township, Pa. The couple raised four children, Donald, David, Carolyn and Audrey. Mr. Smith worked for 36 years at DuPont in Philadelphia, focusing on development of paints and Teflon. An enthusiastic fisherman since his youth, he was highly skilled at tying flies and building beautiful custom fishing rods. Upon his retirement, his love of the sport led Bill and Joan to relocate to Rehoboth Beach.  For many years he was an active member of the Delaware Mobile Surf Fishermen organization, participating in competitions, beach cleanups, and charitable activities. He was well known in the local fishing community and frequently sighted at the Cape Henlopen fishing pier and the Indian River Inlet. 

William was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his sister, Nancy; and brothers, Phillip and Robert.  He is survived by his sister, Sarah Shepherd (Edward) of Naples, Fla.; his children, Donald (Kathleen) of Audubon, Pa., David (Barbara) of Elverson, Pa., Carolyn Epstein (Norman) of Rockville Md.,and Audrey Smith Rice (Daniel) of Cherry Hill, N.J.; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his beloved cat Boots.

Private Interment will be at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pa.