William Burnum Smith, 85, died on November 16, 2023, in Colorado Springs, CO.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1601 S. Georgia St., Amarillo, TX. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd, Amarillo, TX.
William or “Babe” as he was known to his family, was born on August 28, 1938, in Cullman, AL to Thomas Albert Smith and Sara Burnum Smith. After high school, he attended Florence State College (now The University of North Alabama). He moved to Hereford, Texas in the early 1960’s and was employed with Holly Sugar Corporation for 35 years before his retirement.
In 1968, he married Rose Ann McAtee in Hereford, Texas. They were happily married for 53 years. William was an incredible father to Rose Ann’s three sons who he loved dearly and accepted as his own. His quiet, gentle nature brought peace and joy to all who knew him.
William was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hereford, TX, where he served as Senior Warden and Junior Warden of the vestry. Through his years at St. Thomas, he was a delegate to Diocesan Convention numerous times. In 1993, he and his wife moved to Amarillo where they attended St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and later became members of St. Andrews Episcopal Church.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife and they had many adventures throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. His hobbies included watching the Dallas Cowboys, gardening, exercising, reading, and meeting daily with friends for coffee. He had a self-taught skill in construction and renovation, exemplified by his successful complete remodel of their Hereford residence, a project that showcased his vision, diligence, and proficiency in building.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Rose Ann McAtee Smith, his parents, Thomas Albert and Sara Burnum Smith, his brother Thomas Albert Smith, Jr, sister Martha Sue Hutchens, and son Jon Sidney Fraser.
William is survived by sons William Thomas Fraser of Fort Worth, TX and Michael Burns Fraser (Kate) of Colorado Springs, CO, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, his brother Francis Sherrill Smith (Barbara), sister-in-law Rebecca Smith, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to a favorite charity.
To send flowers to the family in memory of William Burnum Smith, please visit our
flower store.