William Smathers

William "Bill" Smathers, age 80 of Milton, FL passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013. Bill was born in Washington DC to Vinson and Allie Smathers on June 10, 1932. Raised in Knoxville Tennessee, Bill enlisted in the US Navy in 1949 after graduating from Georgia Military School and he spent the next 20 years in Naval Aviation. After retiring from the US Navy in 1969 as a Chief Petty Officer he then started his second career and passion as a pilot and flight instructor where he enjoyed over 40years teaching hundreds of people on how to fly. He was licensed to fly everything from single engine aircraft, seaplanes to Helicopters. His love of flying was apparent in everything that he did. A leader in the local Aviation community he could be seen recently flying his helicopter around Milton or lending a hand to someone working on their aircraft. Bill was a Commander in the local Civil Air Patrol unit, past manager of Whiting Field Navy Flying Club and owner of Milton Aviation as well as a 20 year volunteer at the annual Sun N Fun air show in Lakeland, FL. Bill and Jean also loved to travel often in their motor home. They traveled to almost every state in the US including Alaska with trips to Canada and Mexico. They enjoyed some interesting and memorable trips with the Tracks to Adventure group as well. He is survived and will be greatly missed by: his wife, Jean; his son, Billy (Sharon); his daughters Donna (Dave) and Susan (Wayne); his brothers Ralph and Wayne; Grandchildren: Alyssa, Bryan, Marissa, Will, Grace; Stepchildren: Pat, Jeannie, Katie, Barbara, Michael; A great group of friends and fellow pilots. A local gathering to celebrate Bill's life will be held soon. Memorial donations may be made in honor of William Smathers to Covenant Hospice of West Florida Hospital www.covenanthospice.org.