Rev. William "Bill" Smale

Rev. William (Bill) R. Smale went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 22, 2024. He was born July 12, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Harry Caleb Smale, Jr. and Edith Jane Harris Smale. Bill grew up in Chicago. While in Chicago, Bill met the love of his life, Bette Jo Lewis. They were married and built a life and family together for 58 years before Bette passed away in 2016. In their early years together, Bill was a competitive gymnast and they enjoyed traveling together for competitions. He also served in the Air Force Reserve and the Illinois National Guard from 1954 to 1962. He worked for American Airlines at O’Hare Airport in the airfreight department. He accepted a transfer to Dallas Texas in 1972 when DFW Airport was due to open. He worked at American until he took an early retirement in 1984 to pursue a calling into the ministry. Rev. Bill Smale received his Associate of Arts degree from Tyler Junior College in 1989 and upon completion of the Course of Study at Perkins School of Theology at SMU, was ordained in the Texas Conference of the UMC. Coinciding with his education and ordination process, Rev. Bill and Bette Smale served many churches in the Texas Conference of the UMC including Wallace/Moore UMC in Canton, Bascom UMC in Tyler, Kelty’s UMC in Lufkin, Grapeland/Latexo UMCs, Grace Church UMC in Palestine, and Lake Houston UMC in Huffman. Bill “retired” in 2000 from Lake Houston UMC. But then Bill and Bette went on to serve part-time at Laneville UMC for the next 9 years. Retiring again, Bill and Bette went on the road with their RV and traveled north during the summers and south in the winters. They enjoyed traveling and seeing friends and family along the way. They settled later in Alamo, Texas at Trophy Gardens where they later became the park managers. Rev. Bill then took a staff position at St. Mark UMC in McAllen, Texas. In 2014 Bill and Betty returned to Tyler to be near family. They joined Pollard UMC and loved being a part of the Builders Sunday School Class connection. In the past few years Bill enjoyed living at The Hamptons of Tyler where he was well known for his “beep-beep” as he scootered through the hallways. He enjoyed time with others playing his weekly bridge games, 42, and working on puzzles. Bill was known and will be remembered in many ways by those who encountered him. He was a great Christian and servant to others. Rev. Bill and Bette were a well-loved ministry team and they shared faith, strength, and encouragement wherever needed. Always a loyal pastor and friend, Bill demonstrated a love for his God, his family, the church, golf, travel, and any excuse for fellowship. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife Bette Jo Lewis Smale; brother, Harry C. Smale III and wife Annamae; sons, William R. Smale Jr, Gregg W. Smale, Ronald L. Smale; and daughter, Laura J. Smale. Bill is survived by his daughter Kimberly S. Arriola and husband Robert, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many extended family and friends. The family expresses their gratitude for Bill’s caregivers, friends, and others who helped make his last few months here on earth as comfortable and happy as possible. He knew he was loved. A Memorial Celebration of Life service for Rev. Bill Smale will be held on May 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Pollard United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Luna officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 9:30 AM in the Church Parlor. If desired, memorials may be made in Rev. Bill Smale’s name to Pollard United Methodist Church (3030 Copeland Rd, Tyler, TX, 75701), or to Hospice of East Texas (4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701).

Rev. William "Bill" Smale

July 12, 1936 - April 22, 2024