William Adams Smothers

Obituary

William Adams Smothers of Ashburn, Virginia returned to his Heavenly Father on January 5, 2026 at the age of 78.  Bill was the beloved husband of Cheryl Graves Smothers for 53 years.

Born in Jefferson County Kentucky, he was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Wanda Adams Smothers.  In addition to his wife, Bill is also survived by his special friends, Beverly and Emmett Jones, Jr., Jim Smothers, and many cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Brooks Bell, his step-brother, William Bell, and cousin Tom Shaw.*

Bill graduated from Shepherdsville High School in 1965 and continued his education at the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1969 with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Bill had a distinguished career with for the Naval Sea Systems Command spanning thirty-three years.  At his retirement, he was serving as the Program Manager for Combat Systems Engineering for Carriers, Amphibs and Auxiliaries in the Program Executive Office for the Integrated Warfare Systems at the Naval Sea Systems Command in the Department of the Navy.

Bill was honored to become a Kentucky Colonel on May 31, 1995.

Throughout his life, Bill was a faithful member of Davidson Memorial United Methodist Church, Lincolnia United Methodist Church and Capital Church.

Eulogy

Bill retired as the Program Manager for Combat Systems Engineering for Carriers,  Amphibs and Auxiliaries and the Program Executive Office for the Integrated Warfare Systems at the Naval Sea Systems Command in the Department of the Navy on January 3, 2003 after 33 years of service.

Bill lovingly and diligently cared for both of his parents and Cheryl’s parents.

Bill was totally awesome in caring for Cheryl’s mother in the years and particularly in the months before her death on August 24, 2006. He was equally upset about everything. He knew everything about her medically. He was her strong advocate.  And everyone, hospitals, doctors, nurses and hospice staff complimented us about how involved he was and how much he cared.

Bill always gave unselfishly of his time, talents and money to serve Lincolnia United Methodist Church and Capital Church.  He especially enjoyed being involved in the churches sound system.

Bill was a born-again believer and especially loved Southern Gospel Music. He and his wife, Cheryl enjoyed many years of going to the National Quartet Convention, more recently they were able to watch the National Quartet Convention streaming online. They also enjoy many years of traveling across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.

And they also enjoyed going to local classic car shows. Bill had wonderful memories of his work on racing cars as a teenager and was proud of his Ford model B 1932 dark blue two-door sedan. He also enjoyed watching NHRA and NASCAR races on TV.

Bill was very interested in new advances in technology, computers, cameras, TVs, cars, gadgets, etc.

And Bill was a loyal fan of the University of Kentucky Basketball and Football.

He and Cheryl loved all animals and supported several animal rescue organizations. Their cats Smokey, Smokey Bella and Jeremy found there way into their home and hearts.

Bill had a heart of gold. One of the first things that attracted Cheryl to Bill was a poster he had in his apartment that said “Dogs love people for who they are”. Growing up. Bill had several dogs whom he loved but Smokey the cat was Bill’s true love and best friend. Bill’s heart was completely broken when Smokey died on August 13, 2013.

Bill’s heart was also strong and brave. He had to face unexpected and insurmountable odds after his two back surgeries in March 2008. He persevered with bravery and courage, as well as with cooperation and patience to keep going to physical therapy to be able to walk and live.

Bill was also very wise. Cheryl could be thinking of a subject she heard on the news or maybe something they may want to do ……just any subject. She could think of all the aspects pros and cons of the subject but when she would ultimately discuss the subject with Bill, he would always see a different angle, different idea a different solution, a better way,  he was usually right!