William Henry Smith

William Henry Smith, age 83, passed away on September 24, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton, California. A lifelong resident of the Central Valley, William—known to many as Bill—was born on May 3, 1942, in Stockton, California.

Bill’s early years were rooted in the community of French Camp and Lathrop. He graduated from French Camp Elementary and was an active member of Boy Scout Troop 77 from 1955 to 1958. He went on to graduate from Manteca Union High School in 1960 and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Modesto Junior College in 1962.

Bill dedicated his professional life to agriculture and horticulture, becoming a successful nurseryman in the family business, Smith Nursery. Employed at an early age, he eventually served as Managing Partner before retiring. His contributions to the industry were extensive and impactful. He was affiliated with XOX Plant Breeders and Nies/Smith Rootstock Research and held leadership roles such as Chairman of IAB Certification & Registration of Stone and Pome Fruits in California and Chairman of Deciduous Growers for the California Association of Nurserymen. He co-authored and co-led the IAB Clone Study and was a member of several technical and advisory committees, including those connected with U.C. Davis and the California Department of Food & Agriculture. His work also involved cooperation with institutions like WSU-1R2, USDA-ARS, and NGP Lab.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bill was deeply committed to public service. In 1994, he was elected to the French Camp Fire District Board of Directors, where he served six four-year terms. During his tenure, he held multiple leadership roles including Chairman of the Board, Chief Financial Officer, Firefighter 11-1, Fire Marshal, and Arson Investigator. Certified as a First Responder (FR), Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and trained in BLS, CPR, AED, and EAR procedures, Bill received numerous certifications and awards recognizing his dedication. After concluding his service with the French Camp Fire District, he continued volunteering as Firefighter 4 with the Farmington Fire Department.

Bill's personal interests reflected a life lived with passion and curiosity. In 1977, he took his first flying lesson and attended his first Reno Air Races—an annual tradition he kept until the final show in 2023. He earned his Private Pilot Certification in 1978 and cherished every moment spent in the air. One particularly memorable flight included taking his 87-year-old grandmother Anna Brooks for her first ride in a small plane—a moment captured in The Stockton Record.

He was also an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. His commitment to youth development was evident through his service as Cubmaster for Pack 477 in French Camp from 1975 to 1977—earning recognition as Cubmaster of the Year in the Waukeen District—and later as Scoutmaster within the same district.

Bill’s civic involvement extended far beyond scouting and firefighting. He served as Past President of Stockton Parlor 7 of the Native Sons of the Golden West and Fairway West Condominium Association and a member of the California Grange. He chaired the Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) for French Camp and held leadership roles within San Joaquin County NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), including serving on its Executive Board and acting as BHS/NAMI Contract Administrator. He contributed to mental health advocacy as a FTF/NAMI Facilitator and participated in planning through the Consortium Committee.

His hobbies included collecting antique tractors and engines—a passion that led him to membership in the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association, Inc.—and volunteering as a Naturalist at Cosumnes River Preserve. He also supported local agriculture through his role as Livestock Advisor #209 for the San Joaquin County Fair.

Bill’s roots ran deep in San Joaquin County; his family had lived in the Lathrop area since 1854. He was named after both his grandfather, and uncle a legacy he carried with pride.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Nancy Vosburg Smith; they would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this November. He is also remembered by his son Raymond Sean Smith and daughter-in-law Lynn Michelle Miller Smith; grandchildren Abigail Rae Smith and Carson Samuel Smith; and many others whose lives he touched through friendship, mentorship, or community service.

He was preceded in death by his son William Henry Smith II and by his parents Raymond and Sarah Lovina Brooks Smith.

William Henry Smith lived a life marked by service, dedication, curiosity, and joy. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.