WILLIAM "BILL" MONROE SMITH

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, 89 years old, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Las Cruces.  Affectionately known as "Bill," to family and friends was born June 11, 1934, to Earl Smith and Frankie Tilley in Newkirk, New Mexico

Bill was a US Veteran honorably serving in the United States Army. He retired as Owner/Operator of Apex Roofing Company after 47 years in business. He is known as being an honest, hardworking man with a witty sense of humor. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved going for nature drives. He enjoyed cooking and entertaining everyone with his gourmet breakfast. He also enjoyed working in and around his home, and spending time with his friends. Though a man of many trades, his true passion was for his family. He will forever be loved and missed by all his family members and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mercedes "Mercy" Smith; his six children: William Burt Smith (Lana), Karen Watson, Steven Smith (Kathleen), Genoveva Olivas, Maria Galvan (John) and Andrea Ruiz (Rene); 17 grandchildren: Beau Smith, Colt Smith (Judy), Vanessa Smith (James), Casey Smith, Josh Dinsmore, Ashley Middleton, Zachary Middleton, Katelyn Smith, Brooke Smith, Jillian Smith, Megan Smith, Lorena Chavez, Anna Olivas (Israel), Armando Olivas, Haylie Galvan, Jordan Galvan, and Joaquin Ruiz; 20 great children; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Bill left a lasting impression on everyone he crossed paths with and will be sorely missed.

Service to celebrate his life will be held at 10 AM Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road. Concluding Service and Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League El Perro-Diablo Detachment.

Serving as casket bearers are Beau Smith, Colt Smith, Zachary Middleton, Armando Olivas, Joaquin Ruiz, and Claude Earl Smith. Honorary bearers are Billy Hignight, Eric Aragon, Eddie Collins, James Floyd, Freddy Reyes, and George Holguin.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, , 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com