William B. "Bill" Smolk

Bill Smolk, 89, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at AccentCare Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born on Dec. 21, 1932 to Cora and William Smolk in San Mateo, California, and grew up in San Diego.

Bill served in the United States Army from May 1953 to April 1955, when he was honorably discharged as a sergeant. During that time, he served in the Korean War and worked as a sound engineer for visiting USO shows.

After leaving the service, he enjoyed a varied career, working as a chef on a fishing boat, as an electrical engineer, and later as co-owner of the ceramics business Pets and Petals with his third wife, Joan Alewine. His work took him all over the world, but he was especially fond of his time in Brazil. After marrying Joan in 1986, he moved from Gulfport, Mississippi to Cumming, Georgia, where he spent the next 35 years.

Bill is remembered by those who knew and loved him for his wide-ranging musical taste and his amazing recall for actors, musicians and sports figures. He loved to regale friends and family members with stories from throughout his life. A devout fan of NASCAR and football, he was an avid follower of the Los Angeles (formerly San Diego) Chargers and the University of Southern California Trojans.

Bill is preceded by his parents and his sister, Reda. He is survived by his wife, Joan; his sister, Blanche Weaver; and various cousins and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a remembrance at Ingram Funeral Home and Crematory at 210 Ingram Ave., Cumming, GA, 30040, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 8.