On June 21, 2006, W. L. Smith went home to be with the Lord. Waiting there for him were his parents, Clyde and Dolly Smith. Loved by his family, adopted family, co-workers, church, and throngs of friends, he was, also loved and respected by hundreds that he didn't even know. His reputation as a fine man and outstanding leader in the law enforcement field was known across the entire State. Mr. Smith served two years in the United States Navy during World War II. He began his career in police work in 1957 when he went to work for the City of Lipscomb, the small community where he was born and raised. There he served twenty-seven years, the last eleven as Chief of Police. It is believed by many that Andy Griffin used W.L. Smith as a pattern for Chief Andy Taylor of Mayberry. The only thing Andy had that W.L. didn't, was Barney Fife. Stories of his law enforcement escapades circulated far and wide. Upon retirement in Lipscomb, Mr. Smith went to work for the Bessemer District Attorney's Office where he served as an investigator for thirteen years. His retirement from Jefferson County ended forty years as a dedicated professional. All who knew him testified of his love for his job, and his compassion for people. He is survived by his precious wife of 58 years, Dorothy Dunnam Smith; children WIlliam G.(Hilles) Smith, Mitzi (Jerry) Prater; bother, Jack (Erma) Smith; grandchildren, Tina (Tim) Hensley, Duane (Jennifer) Prater, Carrie Prater (Brendin Christolear), Bret (Amanda) Prater, Sarah Bell Whiley Smith, William Reynolds Smith; five great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, whom he loved as his own, and who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Skeets." His family all agree that God will have lots of beautiful green grass for him to cut. Special honorary pallbearers will be the men who served with him in the police department in his beloved City of Lipscomb. Visitation will be Friday, June 23, 2006 from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm. A Chapel service will be Saturday at 10:00 am at Valhalla Funeral Home with burial to follow at Valhalla Cemetery. Donations should be made to Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5187 Ave. K, Lipscomb, AL 35020