William Lee Smith, 77, of Hye, died Thursday February 9 at Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio.He was born on April 9, 1928 in Blanco County, Texas, the son of Leonard and Ruby Smith. He attended school in Blanco, and then did a two year tour of duty in the Army, in what he recalled as a very frigid Germany. He returned in December 1951, started a sheep and goat shearing business, and married the love of his life, Janet Elaine Rader in June of 1952. During this time he had three children, Janalee, Gregory, and Johnny. In 1969 he started a pump business and worked on many "dang'd windmills." This pump business later evolved into a water well drilling business, now called L & L Drilling Co. His favorite pursuits included hunting and ranching. It was said he liked to argue, but he would disagree. In March of 1955, he was raised as a Master Mason in the Blanco Masonic Lodge. He was master of the lodge in 1991-1992. He also participated in the Blanco Order of the Eastern Star, both of which he thoroughly enjoyed. At age 74 he fulfilled his life-long dream to become a "licensed" motorcyclist, and even enticed Janet to ride along with him. His eight grandchildren were the light of his life. His favorites include Don, Jill, Jessica, Michael, Colleen, Devin, Sean, and Rory. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 11th at 2 p.m. at Crofts Funeral Home in Blanco with Vicar Royce Calhoun officiating. Kathy Jones was the organist.He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Scott Smith, and a nephew, Lane Smith. He is survived by his wife Janet, their children and spouses, Janalee and Paul Hannemann, Greg and Lynette Smith, Johnny and Tracy Smith, and grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, June Hensley of Schertz, and one brother, Roddy "Dock" Smith of Fredericksburg. Memorials may be made to Blanco Masonic Lodge, Blanco Order of the Eastern Star, and St. Michael's All Angels Episcopal church, also in Blanco. Burial was in the Blanco Cemetery.