In Memoriam: William Wayne Smith

William Wayne Smith, a longtime Otis executive who retired as director of service, North America, passed away on June 4 at age 95 in Naples, Florida. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Smith joined Otis as a mechanic’s helper after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He was on an elevator service call in Montgomery when he met his future wife, Sara, a registered nurse, with whom he had seven children before Sara’s death in 1979. Smith retired in the 1980s and became an expert witness for Otis and other major OEMs. During his later years at Otis, Smith met co-worker Linda, who he married in 1981. The couple most recently lived in Bonita Springs, Florida, and Wareham, Massachusetts. In addition to his wife, Smith is survived by his children, including Michael W. Smith, CEO of vertical-transportation consultancy VDA; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Donations in Smith’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.