West Gardiner - Ellis (Bill) L. Smith, 75, of West Gardiner passed away surrounded by loved ones unexpectedly August 9th at his home.He was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on October 11th, 1937, the son of Samuel and Ellen Parker Smith. He was educated in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.Bill entered the U.S. Air Force in 1954.When he was discharged, he managed car washes in Augusta and Bangor.He was then employed at Clyde Billings, Inc. in Augusta for 30 plus years as an auto body technician.He was a member of the West Gardiner Rod and Gun Club and Cobbosseecontee Snowmobile Club.He was an avid poker and cribbage player who always won and never "cheated." He was predeceased by his mother, father and granddaughter, Tasha Morang. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Mansir Smith of West Gardiner, three children, Bonnie Morrison and her companion, David Bonney of Newry; Waymond Smith and his wife, Marsha of Whitefield; Lorna Prince and her husband, Shawn of West Gardiner; sister, Rachel Bunker of Augusta; Vickie Roscoe and her husband, Roger of Plymouth, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Travis Peaslee and his wife, Carrie; Melissa Savage and her husband, Eric; Heather Anderson and her husband Carl; Tony Smith; Ainslie Smith and her husband, Jake; Lydia Morrison, Chad Prince, many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, special friends and card players. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 14th from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner where a celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m.Military honors will follow at the Cherry Hill Cemetery, High Street, West Gardiner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Gardiner Fire Department, Spears Corner Road, West Gardiner, Maine or Gardiner Rescue, Six Church Street, Gardiner, Maine Visitation 08/14/2013 11:30 13:00:00 Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery 72 Mt. Vernon Road Augusta Maine 4330