William Henry Smith Jr. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
William Henry “Skip” Smith Jr., a 93-year-old Red Bank resident and longtime crossing guard, died June 22 at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, where he was born in 1933.
Skip grew up on Linden Place in Red Bank and in his younger years attended the Shrewsbury AME Zion Church in Red Bank, which was his family church. He was a longtime crossing guard, stationed at the corner of Broad Street and Harding Road for 15 years.
He attended the Red Bank School System and graduated from Red Bank High School in 1951.
Skip was an exceptional basketball player and loved the sport with all his heart. He would often remind his loved ones, “When number 7 shot it from the corner.. it was good.. nothing but net”.
He loved playing alongside his best friend Pete Reeves (best friends for over 85 years) He used to speak fondly of all the times they spent over the years; he would often say to his grandson how much he missed his friends, Pete Reeves, Jack Lewis, James “Beasy” Gaskin, Ronnie Seward, Pete Foster and Bill “Cody “ Scott as Skip was the last remaining of that friend group.
Skip enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 and served at Camp Polk, Louisiana, Company I 148th Infantry Regiment and from 1953 to 1955 at Fort Riley, Kansas, Private E-1 Rifleman.
Skip entered into holy matrimony with Doris Carmen Scott, affectionately known as Dee, on September 10, 1955 and they were married for 71 years until his passing. From this union was born a son, Anthony Kevin Smith Sr. Whom they adored with all their heart until his unexpected passing on May 21, 2009.
Skip was a dedicated, hard-working man who worked two jobs his entire life. Spanning from 1951 to 2025, during that time period Skip worked two full-time jobs for 15 years.
His first job was at J. Yanko Construction as a driver in Red Bank.
He then became a self-employed owner-operator along with his friend James (Beasy) Gaskin of a construction light hauling company. He worked for United States Government Department of Defense Security at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey for 35 years retiring at the rank of Lieutenant, Wackenhut Security (11yrs), Riverview Medical Center Security (10 yrs), Red Bank Regional HS Security / Hall Monitor (10yrs), Borough of Red Bank Crossing Guard (15yrs) until 2021, Marion Security (20yrs) which he held that position until he retired at the age of 92 in 2025.
Skip was an avid fan of the Jets, Mets, and especially his beloved Knicks, whom he finally got to see win another championship just nine days before his passing.
He was meticulous about everything, mostly his house, cars, and especially the way he dressed.
He loved listening to jazz music and listening to The Quiet Storm with Lenny Greene every night, reflecting his cool, laid-back style.
He used to say, “What 90-year-old still listens to music like this? I still know what’s happening and what good cuts sound like “
Skip was predeceased by his parents Louise and William Smith Sr, his son Anthony, “Tony” Kevin Smith Sr, his sisters-in-law Sadie Dudley, Eva Kitty Holmes and Joan Scott, his brothers-in-law Augustus James, George Dudley and Willis Scott, and his best friend Pete Reeves.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, of 71 years Doris “Dee” “Sister” Smith, his grandson Anthony “Tony” Kevin Smith Jr, his daughter-in-law Kim Smith, his nieces, Eileen Moore, Kathy (Rod) White, Roxanne Holmes, Allyson Scott, Wendy Scott and Kelli Scott his great nephews Shane (Daphne) White and Jerrell Moore, cousins Nancy Hall, Renee Green, Missy Fernandez, nephews Pete Reeves, Irv Reeves, Chris Reeves, David Reeves, his nieces, Yvonne Reeves, and Debbie Reeves, and a host of cousins, extended nieces and nephews, family and friends.
The general consensus no matter who you spoke with regarding Skip was that they all agreed he was a hard worker, a great man, and one of the coolest guys around.
The preceding obituary was submitted by a family member of the deceased. redbankgreen has published it in its entirety with small edits.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
