William J. Smith

William J. Smith

11/21/1921 — 12/23/2019

  • Service Date: 1/2/2020

William “Bill” James Smith, 98, passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, in Lewiston.

He was born Nov. 21, 1921, to Eva T. (Brown) and Carl M. Smith, in Clarkston.

He graduated from Clarkston High School and attended architecture classes at Washington State University, which later enabled him to draw landscape designs for his business.

Bill met the love of his life, Monica M. Howell, while she was working at his mother and father’s business, Smith’s Iris Garden, and they were married June 15, 1947.

Bill started his flower business off the back of his truck in downtown Lewiston. He would walk door to door selling gladiolus. This operation led Bill and Monica to open Smith’s Garden Square Nursery and Pets in North Lewiston in 1950. The business later closed in 2004.

Bill enjoyed coin collecting and reading, and he was a member of the Lewiston Elks and the Clarkston Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his two daughters, Tamara L. Smith, of Lewiston, and Teresa L. (Joseph) Doodigian, of Lakewood, Wash.; sister Barbara Ramona Simpson, of Lewiston; grandchildren Erica L. (Jesse) Broyles, of Lewiston, Jamie M. Rogers, of Lewiston, Nickolas J. (Andrea) Rogers, of Lewiston, Wendy A. Doodigian, of Jonesboro, La., and Joseph F. (Jen) Doodigian, of Killeen, Texas; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brothers Robert M. Smith, Earl LeRoy Smith and Carl M. Smith Jr.; and grandson Michael P. Doodigian.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewis Clark Animal Shelter, 6 Shelter Road, Lewiston.

Service Information

Date & Time
Thursday, January 2, 2:00 PM
Additional Details
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston.

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Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday: Closed

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920 21st Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
(208) 743-6541 or 800-584-8812
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