With great love and respect for William C. Smoot, his families are saddened to inform you of his peaceful passing just before sunrise on Sunday, October 20th, 2024.

He passed away from the side effects of a three-year battle with dementia (ALZ) and various medical issues. Known affectionately by family members as "Lum", he was fully aware of the effects of his diseases and fought hard to remain strong, positive, and determined as he progressed through troubled times. Until late September 2024, he was still able to navigate the home and his gardens with the aid of his partner-through-life and his in-home care provider, Ms. Mona Harmon-Beach, for whom he was most grateful.

A native of Logan, WV, Bill (76 - February 19, 1948 - October 20th, 2024) was the son of Mary Robinette Smoot and William Cloyde Smoot. He was predeceased by his sister Bonnie Toppings and is survived by his partner and spouse Bill Trotter, his loving cousins Donna Davis of KY and Frank Robinette of TX, loving niece Debbie Blankenship of WV, sisters-in-law Linda Trotter and Earlene Meder, brother-in-law Charles Trotter, and niece Dawn Trotter. His many family members, as well as his professional and social friends, are left with many memories of their times with him.

Lum was a graduate of Logan High School (WV) where he loved his time as a drum major. He was especially honored to have participated with his marching band members in Macy's Thanksgiving Day parades. During his early years, his Uncle Clyde Smoot and friend Louise Kohlberg guided him as Lum became an accomplished equestrian. He later took classes at WVU in Morgantown (WV) and ODU in Norfolk (VA). He received his associate's degree from Tidewater Community College School of Nursing.

Bill served as a corpsman in the United States Navy for six years (1968-1974). After several years in nursing care at Community Mental Health and Norfolk Naval Shipyard, he migrated to industrial nursing and began his 25-year Department of Defense uniformed civil service career with the Department of Navy Military Sealift Command as a ship's nurse, medical officer, and MSC instructor. He retired in 2006.

During his years at MSC, he took some time off to handle an unexpected bout with cancer and was extremely thankful for being a breast cancer survivor of over 25 years. He was very happy to celebrate with other breast cancer survivors at the Old Dominion University women's basketball annual marches.

During the latter years of his work career and extending into retirement, Bill studied and practiced gardening, designing and developing the gardens which surrounded his home. He held memberships and working relationships in a variety of community organizations including the Tidewater Aquarist Society, the Hampton Roads Iris Society, the Hampton Roads Horticultural Society, the American Iris Society Region 4, the Green Pine Garden Club of Portsmouth (VA), the Portsmouth Master Gardeners, the Virginia Camellia Society, the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, and was a National Life Member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. He was a member of the Royal Horicultural Society - United Kingdom. He was a master gardener, floral arranger, judge for horticultural competitions, guest speaker for horticultural groups, and organizer for various annual gardening events, including the Virginia Flower and Garden Show. Bill also enjoyed his membership in the Tidewater (Virginia) Prime Timers.

Lum enjoyed photography and leaves behind many pictures of his gardening experiences and travels. (see pics below)

Bill joined the Friends of Fred Heutte Foundation in Ghent Square, Norfolk, in the 1990s, volunteering with many other gardeners who assisted Sally and Doug Simon and founding members in managing the gardens there. Bill is best remembered for his Urban Gardener Lecture Series, his annual weekend tours to the Philadelphia Flower Show, his FHC garden tours across England and Puerto Rico, and his popular annual FHC Spring Herb Sale & Festival. He later became a board member and for several years served as President of the Board of Directors, leaving the board as his bout with his illnesses progressed. In 2022, Bill was presented the honorary title of President Emeritus by the board of the Friends of Fred Heutte Foundation.

We remember Lum as a kind, self-effacing, hard-working, proud of his work, collegial, generous, tolerant, protective, devoted, and humourous man. His loving, forgiving qualities will never be forgotten.

And so our dear Lum, "Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence..." Please read his favorite words to live by, the Desiderata.

As he requested, there will be no service at this time. A get-together is planned this coming spring to share memories of his life. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Bill Smoot, please make a personal choice, perhaps the ASPCA, a favorite of Lum.


If you wish, please submit condolences or share a story
about your friendship with Bill - even a picture! - to:

billsmoot@cox.net

We will place them here.

"Kind words from friends & family"
So sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Please except my condolences to all family members. Bill and I both worked for MSC as Ship's Medical Officer (MSO) and then later at MSC's Afloat Training Team. I'll never forget the day in 2006 that I told our Boss (Jose) that I was retiring and was going to Camp Pendleton to pick up my package for retirement. Bill said " Don, I think I'm going to retire also, please pick up a package for me, which I did". Been a few years since I've seen him. I use to see him at the annual Flower and Garden shows at the Convention Center in Virginia Beach. Again please except my condolences and a final "Farewell and Following Seas Shipmate"..

-> Don McAlister, Master Chief Hospital Corpsman, Retired USN and Retired MSO MSC.

Dear Bill,

I have reminisced for days with you about our dear Lum, but one endearing story I have that always amuses me is my copper plant tower from one of his Heutte Center lectures/hands on assembling sessions at the Center.... Usually working with copper entails cutting, and welding in order to assemble something sturdy enough to survive outdoors and support a climbing plant. We were given precise instructions to maybe cut (I can't remember now) the copper tubing but certainly assemble the creation with a pointed top rather like the Washington Monument in shape, graduating ever smaller toward the top. We glued pieces together in the proper order and a sturdy plant tower holding a beautiful Mandeville survives here until this day. It's beautiful and if not put together properly would end up wonky! But HVAC technicians and plumbers that have seen it admire the construction and I receive accolades for my work! ha! No welding was involved but I don't tell them that!!! Thank you Lum for your many creative lectures and the good times we had through the years going to basketball games, traveling together to flower shows, volunteering at the "Fred" and being a part of our own chosen family...wonderful memories live on.

Big sister Ann Atkinson who never had brothers until you and Bill Trotter came along....pesky little brothers, I might add!

-> Love you both, Ann

Bill, so sorry to hear. We always had a good time comparing notes about plants we grew. I still have the wonderful Japanese Iris collection he gave me. Please let us know about his celebration of life. Hugs.

-> Linda & Bill Pinkham


Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. Don and I always enjoyed Bill's stories about his overseas travels and admired his lovely iris designs. I wish we could have had more time with him and I know you did also. I miss Don and even though it has been over a year since he passed I miss him just as much.

-> Ginny Spoon, American Iris Society Region 4


Hun, I am so sorry for your loss personally and the iris world's loss too. He was very special to me and I am glad you had the extra time with him and the help you needed. Bill always gave me inspiration even when we were apart.

I would love your permission to name an iris after him. I would like, since you knew him best, if you would choose. I will take pictures of the most promising seedlings growing in Montana when we head to the nationals in late May. If there is anything you need let me know.

-> Anita Moran, American Iris Society Region 4


To former HRHS members: With sadness and fond memories, I am informing you of the passing of Bill Smoot. My memories of Bill include his being HRHS President, stepping up during difficult times in reestablishing the HRHS 501c3 status; his years at the Fred Heutte Center in Norfolk, and sponsoring a bus tour to the Philly Flower Show, his expertise as an American Iris Society judge, and his awarding winning flower arrangements.

-> Hampton Roads Horticultural Society (formerly)


Sending you thoughts of comfort, healing, and hope. Cherish your memories. I pray they will bring you comfort. Pat yourself on the back for the lasting relationship of nearly 49 years! I will have fond memories of Bill.

-> Sincerely, Sue Fritz


Please accept my condolences on Bill's passing. I truly enjoyed the opportunities I had to spend time with both of you. Your love and care for one another was a special gift. I hope your many wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort. Caring for those we love is the hardest, best work we will ever do. I'm so glad I got to see you both at the plant sale this spring (2024).

Sending much love,

-> Malia


I was so very sad to hear about Lum and want to tell you that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and that I enjoyed spending time with you. I know both of you got a laugh about my pronunciation of his nickname "Lum" which always came out "Loooooooommmm!" (Norwegian) It's hard after all the years you've had together, but the memories will be happy as time passes!

My warmest thoughts,

-> Astrid G.


May you be touched by the healing power of prayer, feel the warmth of those who love you, and realize you have the courage to carry on. My thoughts and prayers are with you, in deepest sympathy.

My warmest thoughts and love,

-> Lou


May you find comfort in knowing that others are holding you close in their hearts during this difficult time. Our hearts are with you.

-> The "old" guys at Prime Timers.


Bill, hope you know how much love surrounds you at this difficult time and always.

-> Annie, Sten, Berg


His love is yours forever... may its lasting beauty comfort you in your loss of Lum, but you will always have memories.

-> Linda


Uncle Bill ... I will miss his quiet presence and the love and light he brought wherever he was.

-> Dawn


Dear Bill T. ... Thinking of you. Our sincere condolences -

-> Toni & Fred McKenna & Bill's Virginia Camellia Society friends


We extend sincere sympathy and let you know that others are thinking of you now.

-> Kathy Honeycutt on behalf of the Central Virginia Iris Society & the American Iris Society


I was wondering about him a few weeks ago. How sad!! A lot of my friends and family are disappearing. Lummie was a very close friend of my Sis Andrea (passed 10-31-18), Brother John (passed 7-10-19). Our Aunt Louise (Mom’s Sister) was the link that bound us together. She loved horses and his Uncle Clyde had horses here in Logan that Louise helped him with. Sorry to hear about Lummie; I appreciate you sending me the news. I failed to include myself as a very close friend who was someone I looked up to my entire life. I loved that smile and chuckle.

-> Cary Dale Amburgey


Oh Hun. I’m so sorry. Even when you see it coming, it’s still heartbreaking. Bill and I went way back and always managed to make each other laugh. I’m sorry I can’t be more in person support for you. You have been the best possible partner/spouse/ caregiver, and more. Lots love and kisses.

-> Marie Butler


My dear friend Bill. I’m heartbroken to hear this news. I know Lum has had a long battle and you were a great husband to him. Sending you virtual hugs and love.

-> Scott V-B


Please accept my condolences on the passing of Bill Smoot. I worked with him at MSC on the Afloat Training Team. I enjoyed working with him and was able have lunch with him several times after he retiried. He will be missed. The Afloat Training Team will be remembering him at a mass in January at the Church of Saint Gregory the Great, Virginia Beach, January 22, 2025, 6:30AM.

-> Pat O'Donnell


Our world has lost such a creative, talented person. I learned so much at his workshops. He was always willing to share his ideas and knowledge with everyone. Seeing both of you at our master gardening events made me smile. Sending Comfort and strength for all the days ahead.

-> Nancy & Bob Perkins


Your Bill will be deeply missed by so many. He was such a fantastic floral designer! And just an all-around, easy-going, pleasant person. I loved his laugh.

-> Betty Ann Gallway (fellow judge)


Thinking of you and wishing you comfort. So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. May cherished memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.

-> Portsmouth Master Gardeners


Sorry to hear about Smoot's passing.

-> Clay


"Memories... pressed between the pages of my mind..."





    

    

    





"Derby Gardens" Through The Years

Garden Design & Plant Selections by Lum | Garden Maintenance & Pics by Lum & Bill

( if using Bill Smoot's pictures in publications, please credit his photography with © Bill Smoot )

[ more to come ]