October 13, 1955 – September 22, 2026

William Curtis “Bill” Smith, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 70. He was under the care of Gentiva Hospice at Piedmont Northside Hospital.

Bill was born on October 13, 1955, in Phenix City, Alabama. He attended Smiths Station High School in Smiths Station, Alabama, where he enjoyed playing basketball, football, and baseball. He graduated in 1973.

In 1974, Bill joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country for ten years. Following his military service, he continued his education at Columbus College, earning his bachelor’s degree in education. His love of learning led him to further his education at Troy State University, where he earned a Master of Science in Education in 1996.

Bill devoted 36 years of his life to education, teaching both elementary and middle school students. He spent much of his career with the Russell County School District, where he eventually retired. His dedication to teaching did not end with retirement, however. Bill returned to the classroom through the Muscogee County School District, where he continued doing what he loved. During the final years of his career, he taught through the Hospital/Homebound Program, providing education, encouragement, and support to students who were unable to attend school in a traditional classroom setting.

Teaching was much more than a profession to Bill. He was an extraordinary educator who shaped the lives of countless students throughout his career. He brought passion, enthusiasm, and patience into his classroom and extended that same kindness and support to his coworkers. He had a gift for connecting with children and believed deeply in their ability to learn and succeed. The impact he made during his many years in education will continue through the students, families, and colleagues whose lives he touched.

Outside of his love for his family and his dedication to teaching, one of Bill’s greatest passions was tennis. He was an accomplished and competitive player who especially treasured the friendships and camaraderie he found with his teammates. Over the years, Bill was part of numerous successful teams, competing and winning at the city, state, and sectional levels. One of those teams even advanced all the way to the National Championships – an accomplishment of which he was incredibly proud. For Bill, however, tennis was about much more than winning. It gave him years of competition, laughter, friendship, and memories with people he truly enjoyed being around.

Bill is survived by his wife of 18 years, Tracy, and his two beloved fur babies, Abbie and Tucker. He is also survived by his brother, Bobby Smith (Linda); Inez Hartley (David); and Cassie Adams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rustus and Mary Smith; Mary Jo Harden; Carol Smith; Arthur Smith; Frank Smith; Doris Berber; Opal Cooper; and Debbie Smith.

Bill will be remembered for his dedication to education, his competitive spirit, his love of tennis, and most importantly, the way he cared for the people around him. Whether he was encouraging a student, supporting a coworker, competing alongside his teammates, or spending time with those he loved, Bill brought passion and purpose to the things that mattered most to him. His influence reached far beyond the classroom, and the many lives he touched are part of the legacy he leaves behind.

A celebration of life will be held 11:30 am October 2^nd, 2026, at St. Mark Church 6795 Whitesville Road, Columbus, Ga 31904, with visitation one hour prior to the service.