Cecil "Burr" Smiley

On June 17th, 2022, Cecil “Burr” Smiley, passed away at St. Franciscan Hospital, surrounded by his family, at the age of 81. He was born on October 14, 1940 in Danville, Illinois to his parents Cecil Ray Smiley and Mary Burr Smiley. He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1958 and obtained his undergrad in 1963 and graduate degree in 1969 from New Mexico State, where he met his wife, Michele. 

Burr began his career as a teacher in New Mexico before moving to and teaching on a Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona. After moving back to help with his family farm in Indiana, Burr taught for several more years. He was also a livestock producer of veal calves and hogs- a profession that preceded his nickname of “Grandpa Pig,” lovingly given to him by his grandchildren. Later in life, Burr became an Associate with Ice Cream Specialties, where he worked for 14 years. After his retirement, Burr worked part-time, for seven years, as a Mac-Van driver for Community Action of Warren County, where he was able to do his favorite things- socialize and help others! 

Much of Burr’s life was spent in service. Whether it be in the U.S. Army where he served for three years before being honorably discharged, or at church, where he was the first Branch President of the Williamsport Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, established in 1984. Burr loved to serve. He went out of his way to love, honor, and support others. He consistently saw the best in everyone and pulled those along who were in need. Burr was a past Master of the Boswell Masonic Lodge #486 as well as Past Commander and member of the American Legion, Attica Post #52. He was also a past President of the Warren County Farm Bureau Inc. 

Burr was an avid fan of Purdue football and basketball. He passed on his love of sports to his children and grand-children and spent countless hours traveling the state to see them play and perform in various capacities. After retirement, Burr also enjoyed traveling the country with his wife. Burr was married to his eternal partner, Michele Smiley, for 54 years. In addition to his wife, Burr is survived by his sister Rose (Joe) Zakarian, children Nanette Smiley Cronk (Tony), Nelson Smiley (Julie), Nathan Smiley (Laura), and Jessica Smiley Bischoff (Davina), as well as 13 grandchildren, and 10 great-children with one on the way. 

Those who love Burr can feel comfort in his surety of life-after-death. He was not scared of death, as he knew that he would see his friends and family again. His dedication and love of the gospel of Jesus Christ shaped his entire being and enriched the lives of those around him. 

A visitation will be held for Burr on Wednesday June 22, 2022 from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport, Indiana. Interment will follow at Boswell Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Post #52 Attica.