William A. Smillie II, a.k.a. Bill Smillie, age 79 of Springfield, Missouri passed away on Thursday, February 13th in Springfield. Bill was born on December 22nd, 1945 in Marshall, Texas. He was the son of Ralph and Idalia Smillie of Springfield, who preceded him in death. Bill was a lifelong member of Springfield, graduating in the class of '63 from Parkview High School. He graduated with a B.S. in General Business from Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) while working at Consumers Markets. After marrying Sharon on June 22, 1968, he departed ten weeks later for a two-year active duty assignment in the Navy, serving as a storekeeper on the USS Hector. Bill stayed in the Naval Reserve for an additional 7 years. When returning home, Bill continued working for Consumers Markets and stayed with the company collectively for 20 plus years. Bill was a manager at several stores and eventually was a food buyer for the company after a short stint in the lumber business. During that time he was on the Strafford School Board. He eventually bought his own grocery store, Smillie's IGA, from 1992-2012.

During his time with Smillie's Market, Bill served on the City Utilities Citizens Advisory Board from 2004+ and was President of the Missouri Grocers Association. He worked for the Ozark Empire Grocers' Association (OEGA), serving as the executive director from 2010-2012. He then acted as Chairman of The Missouri Career Center Workforce Board in 2012. After attempting retirement in 2024, Bill decided he needed to stay busier and worked part-time for Harter House Market, where he spent time meeting new friends and renewing old acquaintances. Outside of working, Bill served on multiple committees, one being at Schweitzer Church where he chaired the SPR committee that helped with the design of the sanctuary. Bill also volunteered on the Springfield Park Board where he eventually served as Chairman. Additionally, Bill was a football referee for over 20 years, and an avid racquetball player. He also dabbled in the sport of pickleball during the last couple years.

In the summer of 1967, Bill and Sharon crossed paths at Consumer's Market. Little did they know, this encounter would mark the beginning of both a family and a family business. Three years later, Bill and Sharon welcomed their first daughter, Melissa (Missy), and two and a half years later came Whitney. Bill was a pillar of support for his girls, offering them his unwavering love and guidance. He taught them valuable life lessons, including how to be kind, loving, selfless, compassionate, and resilient women. Bill was the epitome of the "ultimate girl dad." However, none of this would have been possible without his partner in life, Sharon. Together, Bill and Sharon embodied the true meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient, love is kind." Missy and Whitney call their mother the light of the family, so Bill could go into the community and offer his light to all who met him.

Bill's passions were his family, especially his beloved grandchildren where he spent time at numerous girls' basketball games, swim meets and endured many "driving lessons", piano recitals, political conversations, and took pride in military endeavors. Bill led by example, imparting values of love, humility, and kindness to his grandchildren, ensuring these qualities would live on. His family was the center of everything he did and worked for.

The legacy Bill leaves behind is one of profound, selfless love—a love that touched everyone he encountered. He lived with a deep belief that no one was a stranger. With a heart open to all, he found joy in making others' journeys a little brighter, leaving a lasting mark of kindness and generosity.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon of 57 years, and his daughters, Melissa Duncan (Troy) and Whitney Pinkston (Michael), all of Springfield. Bill is also survived by his six grandchildren, Captain Ross Duncan (27), Jacob Pinkston (26), Maddie Duncan (24), Hannah Pinkston (23), Ellie Duncan (21), and Harper Pinkston (17). Additionally, Bill is survived by his two brothers, Dick Smillie (Cyndi) and Don Smillie (Marilyn) both of Springfield, and multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

The visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, February 21st at Schweitzer Church with the service to follow at 11:00 am. A Reception will follow the service at the church. The address is 2747 E Sunshine Street. The service will be officiated by Pastor Jim Mason, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Private Family Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Elementary - a school that was very dear to Bill's heart.