BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A Hillsborough County School District teacher died suddenly at the school on Tuesday. He was 55-years-old.

According to Steve Hegarty, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County School District, Mr. William J. Smith was in his first year of employment with the district, having been hired in August 2011.

Captain Lonnie Benniefield, spokesman with Tampa Fire Rescue said, “After Mr. Smith collapsed, some of the staff began doing CPR before Fire Rescue arrived. Although the outcome was not successful, people tried to help. It is very important for us to know CPR.”

School records show that Mr. Smith began his career at Zephyrhills Junior High School in 1979. He obtained employment with the Pasco-Hernando Community College in 1981 and remained there for ten years.

He was hired at St. Petersburg College in 1991 and remained there until 2009. He was certified as a Physical Education teacher and Coach.

Mr. Smith graduated from Bethune-Cookman College in 1979, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Coaching. He earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education, Teaching and Coach from the University of South Florida in 1992.

His wife, Mrs. Ruth Smith said her husband had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. “They tried to revive him at the school, but couldn’t. He was pronounced at the hospital.”

Mrs. Smith said her husband had retired and then decided to return to work. Throughout his career, he coached girls’ basketball.

He grew up in Dade City and graduated from Pasco High School in 1974. She further stated that he loved basketball.

A member of New Mt. Zion M. B. Church, Mr. Smith was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

“We didn’t have any children of our own, but his two beautiful goddaughters, Anaa Sanders and Anaria Wilson were his heart. He loved spending time with them,” she said.

Funeral services for Mr. Smith were incomplete at press time. Ray Williams Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.