Apostle William T. Smith, Sr. was born on February 4, 1941 in Salisbury, NC to Thomas H. Smith and Minnie L. Belton. He was raised by his mother and grandmother. He was employed at the Howard Johnson Restaurant of Salisbury. Apostle Smith graduated from Dunbar High School of Rowan County, Salisbury. After graduating he moved to Philadelphia to be with his father. Philadelphia is where he met and later married Hattie M. Pitt (Smith) in May of 1962. From this union were born William T. Smith, Jr. and Sharon L. Smith (Burgess). After marriage Apostle Smith settled in South Jersey and was employed until retirement by Camden Line Atlas Co. of Cresson, J. He was a dedicated employee serving in multiple positions some of which were brick mason, concrete finisher, and diesel mechanic.

At birth, his mother put his name on the House of Prayer role under the pastor at that time, Elder S. C. (Sweet Daddy) Madison. He was directed by his former pastor Elder S.C Madison, then pastor of South Philadelphia Mother House of Prayer and Chairman of the Pennsylvania District, to attend the Vineland congregation. In 1962, he joined the congregation in Vineland under the late Pastor Elder O. Smith. It was here that his service in the ministry began to thrive. In 1963, he became the house spokesman. In 1964, he was made an Elder by Bishop W. (Sweet Daddy) McCollough in Columbia, SC. In 1965, he became the youth pastor and faithfully served for the next 15 years. He received the Holy Ghost in the Hurricane Revival of 1968. In 1980, he became the assistant pastor serving under the late Apostle G. Huff. He served as assistant pastor until sickness set in 2009. Bishop S.C. (Sweet Daddy) Madison elevated Elder Smith to an Apostle. In 210, Bishop C.M. (Sweet Daddy) Bailey bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Assistant Pastor of Vineland, NJ. Apostle Smith was faithful until the end.

In 1999, Apostle Smith and his wife became foster parents providing many children with a safe comfortable home, loving care and guidance.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather William Smith; grandmother Mishie Smith; father, Thomas Smith; mother, Minnie Belton.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 58 years Hattie Smith; his children, William T. Smith, Jr. (Terry), Sharon L. Burgess (Ronald), Michael Egan (Nicole); grandchildren, Joshua, Harmony, Mikey, Bella; his dear aunt Jennie Higgins; sister, Evonne Withers; brother, Richard Withers; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.