William Eugene Smith

Bill Eugene Smith was born in Goshen, Ohio, on July 9, 1939. His parents were Marguerite and Lester Smith. Bill attended Goshen Local Schools for 12 years, graduating in 1958. During his tenure at GHS, Bill played volleyball, basketball, and football as well as being a member of the track team. He was honored to be part of the first GHS football team in 1957, and it was this team that won the County Championship in the fall of that same year. Another first was when Bill and fellow teammates helped the National Guard construct a cinder track located near the present site of the Marr-Cook Elementary for the team to use for practice and meets.

After graduation, Bill enlisted in the Army and served his country for two years. He was stationed in Korea for 13 months and spent that time on the Demarcation Line between North and South Korea. This experience greatly increased his love and appreciation for his homeland.

It was in 1962 that Bill married his high school sweetheart Phyllis Edwards. The two have lived in Goshen for all their life and have two sons, Todd – GHS Class of 1985 and Troy – GHS Class of 1989.

Various employment experiences gave Bill the background needed to become the Service Director for Goshen Township in 1976. He and his department served the community by maintaining Township roads, overseeing the cemetery, and working with the public in general. Bill continued in this position for 30 years, retiring in 2004.

Organizing and coaching the first pee-wee football team in Goshen was a memorable event in Bill’s life. He also enjoyed being active in community groups and organizations including the Masonic Lodge, Clermont County Trustees Association, being a charter member of the Goshen Lions Club, and a member of the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department. He began as an original class member of the Goshen Junior Fire Department. Bill is a longtime member of the Goshen United Methodists Church serving in various leadership capacities since joining the church at the age of 16.