William G. Smith

William Gerald Smith, age 82 of Woodcrest Dr., Lexington died Sunday, September 6, 2009 in Forsyth Medical Center after 4 years of declining health.  There will no service, however the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday at the home, 19 Woodcrest Dr.   Mr. Smith was born October 23, 1926 in Davidson County to Fred R. Smith and Mary Leonard Smith. A retired Owner/Operator of Bill Smith Paint Store, he was a member of First Reformed United Church of Christ. Bill played football for the University of Chapel Hill in 1943, and professional football for Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears and L.A. Dons from 1948 to 1950. He was a veteran of the US Army during WWII.  Preceding in death was four brothers, Sam W. Smith, Fred R. Smith, Jr., Leonard Smith and Paul M. Smith   Surviving are his wife, Ann White Smith of the home; son, William G. (Jerry) Smith, Jr. of Lexington; daughter, Susan Beck and husband, Herbert of Lexington; two granddaughters, two grandsons, two great granddaughters, one great grandson; two brothers, Franklin D. Smith and John C. Smith both of Lexington.   In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lexington Downtown Lions Club, the blind and visually impaired, P.O. Box 571, Lexington, NC 27293     Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net