William A. (Bill) Smith, 65, of Williamsport, PA, passed away on March 31, 2026, following a brief illness with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on September 21, 1960, in Williamsport, to the late Leo Smith and Louise (McCloskey) Smith.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lori (Perry) Smith; his son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Tasha Liddic; and his grandchildren, Xavier (Angel), Malachi (Aubrey), and Noah Liddic.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lynn Smith; his sister, Sandy Simmons; and his grandson, Oliver Liddic.

Bill graduated from Williamsport Area High School in 1978 and was a member of New Covenant United Church of Christ. He married Lori Liddic, and together they would have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on October 29, 2026.

Bill left behind a legacy of creativity, showmanship, and community involvement. For more than three decades, he was the founder and creative force behind Smith Special Productions and Balloonworks. Beginning in 1987, he brought imagination to life through parades, festivals, and special events across the country.

From 1996 to 1998, he hosted ‘Wake Up Williamsport!’, a morning radio show that became a distinctive part of local radio with its mix of well-loved favorites, humor, and upbeat energy. He also supported community festivals and volunteered with numerous organizations.

Throughout his career, he was known for designing large parade balloons along with his long-standing involvement with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where he contributed with both balloon programs and street operations. He also provided consultation and appeared in the Al Roker Productions History Channel special, Inside Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2006).

His work reached national audiences through collaborations with NBC and CBS, where he contributed research, design, and archival expertise to television specials and publications celebrating parade history. He worked with many other clients, including Little Golden Records (historian/archivist), Hargrove, Inc., Mansfield University, the Nantucket Historical Association, the Australian government, and numerous cities and organizations across the United States.

Bill will be remembered for his creativity, energy, and the joy he brought to countless events and celebrations.

Bill’s family will host a memorial service to honor his life at a later date.

The family is deeply grateful to friends, neighbors, and all who offered prayers, support, and kindness during this time.