Bill was a 1948 graduate Coffee High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He was selected to both the All Tri-Cities and All-TVC football squads. After graduation he received a scholarship to play

football at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, later to become Auburn University. After a brief stay at Auburn Bill returned home and enrolled at Florence State Teachers College. He played on the first football teams for the Lions and his teammates included Harlon Hill, Bill Doty and George Lindsey. Upon graduation from college Coach Smith became the Head Basketball and Baseball coach at Deshler High School from 1956 - 1969. His Tiger teams compiled a record of 229 - 126 over that span gaining the reputation of having one of the toughest defensive teams in the state.