Willard Leroy Smith

Willard Leroy Smith, 88, of Salem, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Salem Regional Medical Center.

He was born May 22, 1934 in Shade Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, to the late Frank Smith and Nellie (Mellott) Smith.

Willard got his hands dirty at a young age when he began working as a coal miner in Pennsylvania. After which he moved to Salem around 1965 and made it his home. He was a hard worker and spent many years as a molder at Quaker City Castings in Salem from which he retired. Willard enjoyed tending to and growing things in his garden. He was an avid bowler sharing this passion with his beloved wife. He loved being outdoors and outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He also liked to tinker with lawn mowers. One of the greatest joys in his life was spending time with his family, especially his great grandchildren, and playfully tormenting everyone.

He is survived by his children, Linda Darlene (Jeffrey) Himes, Sharon Lee (Timothy) Bailey and Gloria Lynn (Kenneth) Pittman all of Salem, sister, Carol Eash of Cortland, Ohio, three grandchildren, Travis (Danielle) Bailey, Robert (Kayla Naylor) Pittman, and Tyler Pittman, two step grandchildren, Jason Pittman, Melissa Zandt, and three great grandchildren, Mikenna Bailey, Karson Bailey, and Daniel Pittman.

Willard has now been reunited with his wife of 54 years, Evelyn Mae (Roch) Smith, his step grandson Bradley Pittman, and his 13 siblings who preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral Home at 2 PM on Monday August 8, 2022 with visitation starting at 1 PM. He will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Beloit.

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