William "Pete" Smith, age 91, of Panama City Beach, passed away on February 14th at his home. Pete was born March 4, 1931 in Piedmont, Alabama to the late Richard Jefferson and Onna Ruth Smith. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1949 and shortly after served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home he married the love of his life, his wife of 70 years, Ann Claire Heifner on December 9, 1952.

Pete was Baptist by Faith and a Free Mason. He worked at Alabama Pipe Company for many years before accepting a job in south central Florida as Vice President of American Agronomics. Later in life he co-owned Miracle Strip Enterprises, publishing telephone directories in Panama City, Fort Walton, Albany and Gulf Breeze, before retiring in 1993.

He is preceded in death by his parents, RJ & Ruth Smith; sister, Frances Cotton; daughter, Carol Smith; son, Richard Glenn Smith. Pete is survived by his wife, Ann Smith; daughter, Janet (Gene) Singletary; grandsons, Tyler Smith (Stephanie), Colt (Kara) Smith, William Chase Smith, Dylan (Christina) Singletary, Tannor Singletary, Taylor Singletary; great grandchildren, Delaney and Dax Smith; brother- in-law, Lynwood Heifner and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be received for viewing on Friday, February 24th between 11 and noon at Miller Funeral Home in Oxford Alabama, followed by graveside services at Forest Lawn Gardens.

The family would like to thank Encompass Rehab, Covenant Hospice, and caregiver Jennfer Jovanovic.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Tyler, Colt, Chase, Dylan, Tannor & Taylor.