William D. "Buddy" Smith

William D. “Buddy” Smith, 76, resident of Columbia, and retired owner and operator of Columbia Fire Equipment, passed away Tuesday at Maury Regional Medical Center. 

A family graveside service will be conducted Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. 

The family suggest donations be made to Hilltown Church of Christ, P.O. Box 821 Columbia TN 38402 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born in Columbia, he was the son of the late William David Smith and the late Mary Tom Anderson Smith. Buddy was a 1966 graduate of Columbia Central High School. He proudly served his county in the United States Navy and in the United States Army. Buddy started Columbia Fire Equipment from the trunk of his car in the seventies, which he ran for forty three years. Even in his retirement, some considered him the G.O.A.T. in the fire equipment industry. 

He was a member of Hilltown Church of Christ.

While Buddy will be dearly missed by all who knew him, he would want everyone to know that he was more than prepared to meet his Lord and Savior.

He is survived by his wife Virginia Satterfield Smith; children, William Todd (Kim) Smith, Russell David (Tanya) Smith, and Robin Smith (Shannon) Jones; grandchildren, Brianna Smith, McKenzie Smith, Savannah Smith, McKayla Smith, Kayla (Donovan) Barber, Corey (Bailee) Smith, Tucker Jones, Harper Jones, and Hadley Jones; great grandchildren, Cameron Smith, Ava Smith, and Ryker Barber;  and sister, Barbara (Joe) Wade.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Miles Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers will include the past and present employees of Columbia Fire Equipment (SSI) and the Morning Coffee Club.