William Earl Smart

SPARTANBURG, SC - William Earl Smart died suddenly on Saturday January 14, 2017.  A celebration service of his life will be held on Thursday, January 19th, 2:00pm at Spartanburg Central United Methodist Church, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC. Born in Dothan, AL, on May 3, 1935, he was the son of the late William Vaughn and Ruth Smart.  He was recruited out of high school to the University of North Georgia (the Military College of Georgia) on a football scholarship.  He was a leader on campus and graduated Cadet Commander, US Army, of his senior class.  He served in the US Army Reserve for eight years.  In college he met Glenda Floyd of Smyrna, GA.  They married upon graduation and then enjoyed 50 years together until her passing in 2009. Earl joined Milliken & Company in 1958.   During his career of 33 years he rose through the manufacturing ranks with positions in Thomson, Ga; Pendleton, SC; Anderson, SC; Machias, ME; Ghent, Belgium; Barnwell, SC; and ultimately, Spartanburg, SC.  He spent seven years in Belgium running the company's European operations with plants in Manchester, England; Rozelle, France, and Ghent.  He was a member of the executive leadership team in Spartanburg and devoted to the late Roger Milliken.  After a brief retirement, he was recruited to lead the Mastercraft division of Collins & Aikman, which he did for five years.   His lifetime interests included golf, running, cycling, hiking, fine wine, fast horses, extraordinary travel, good music, growing roses, more than enough cigars and lively conversations.  He was deeply committed to the Spartanburg YMCA and Central United Methodist Church and over the years contributed his leadership talents to their needs. Earl's legacy is defined by the love for his family; his commitment to the power education affords to any individual; his passion for the beauty of the natural world; and the spiritual wonderment of music and artistic creativity. He is survived by one sister, Martha S. Johnson of Columbus, GA, three children and their spouses, Gregg and Kathy Smart of Orlando, FL; Camille and Clint Lemon of Charleston, SC; Stephanie and John Buppert of Gilbert, AZ; five grandchildren who were the love of his life - Caroline Smart, William Smart, Alexander Buppert, Emily Smart, Catherine Buppert.  And most importantly, Jennie Montgomery of Spartanburg, SC who added so much to his happiness these past few years.  Earl's sister, Jean Smart of Columbus, GA, predeceased him in death in 2015. Memorials can be directed to Central United Methodist Church for the building fund or the music program, 233 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.