From the May 26, 2003 issue of The Country Chronicle
Bradford, VT–Perley E. “Bill” Smith, Jr., 71, of Bradford, died Monday, May 19, 2003 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in White River Junction.
He was born in Enfield on July 26, 1931, a son of Perley E. Sr. and Iva A. (Royce) Smith.
During WWII he served in the 82nd Airborne, 103rd Division of the Army. After his discharge, he worked as a truck and taxi driver. He lived in Union Village and drove a truck for Mower’s New’s Service before moving to Bradford, where he worked at Bradford Veneer and Benjamin’s Garage. He also worked with scrap metal recycling until a stroke forced his retirement.
He was predeceased by his wife, Carol; a brother, Malcom; and a sister, Madeline Kilton. Survivors include three children: Helen Laplaca of Lebanon, NH, Mary Cheney of Hill, NH, and Perley E. III of West Topsham, VT; two adopted children: Curtis Smith of Hartland and Stephanie Smith of Newbury, VT; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Wendall, and a sister, Shirley Oldenburg, both of Daytona Beach, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours. Graveside funeral services will be held May 31, 2003 at 10 am at West Farms Cemetery in West Canaan. Memorial donations made be made to the Diabetes Assoc., VT Affiliate, 77 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.
Arrangements were made by Hale Funeral Homes in Bradford and Thetford.