From Marichanh & Jeannie Phanhthourath:
I met Bill over 30 years ago through The Sigma Chi Fraternity, when I was a student at the University of Cincinnati. While I was struggling through school and trying to make ends meet, Bill would take me under his wings and tell me that everything was going to be fine. He would invite me over to his parties as guest bartender, where he would introduce me to many of his professional colleagues. I am forever grateful for that opportunity!

The last 15 years has been a blessing when I first received a job relocation to Jacksonville, Florida and knowing that I would be closer and be able reconnect with Bill and Dianne. We would go down to visit and stay with them at the 5 Star Penthouse and join them for breakfast and dinner. Bill and Dianne would offer up the seats with the best views. Between their road trips from Washington, D.C. and Ft. Lauderdale, Bill and Dianne would always stop in St. Augustine for a visit and we would catch up over dinner.

I have so many fond memories of Bill, but the best was introducing Bill to my extended family several years ago at the UC / Miami Football Tailgate Party. It was a blistering hot summer day, as you can see by the sweat coming through Bill's shirt, and our seats were going to be directly in the sun...Bill came to me and said the Alumni Association had offered him a ticket in the box seats, but they do not have enough for the rest of the family. I said "Great, please take it, you do not need to be in the sun." At the end of the 1st Quarter, Bill came down and told us that he has 4 tickets to the box seats with food, drinks, private bathroom, and air conditioning!!! Seeing the reaction on my family's faces was priceless. I said that's Bill Smart for you! The man is AMAZING!!!

Our hearts are broken but the memories will be a blessing to us.