Columbus, OH — William A. Smythe, 70, of New Egypt, N.J., died Sept. 5, 2021, at Samaritan Hospice in Mount Holly with his wife by his side.

Born in Drexel Hill, Pa., to the late James and Louise (Echelmeyer) Smythe, he was a resident of New Egypt for the past 36 years.

Mr. Smythe’s love for horses started at a young age when he rode his bicycle past a farm on his way to school. From that moment on, he was a dedicated horseman. He started as a groom and then moved on to be a trainer/driver, traveling all over the country.

He then went on to meet the love of his life, Laurie, in Florida, got married and they had their first child, Hannah, in Kentucky. With an opportunity to change careers and to move back to where he came from, he became the farm breeding manager for Casteton Farm in New Jersey, welcoming his second child, Ashley, in 1987.

When the farm changed hands, he continued to be the farm manager for Kentuckiana Farm for the rest of his career. In 2007, under Kentuckiana Farm, he was awarded Breeder of the Year. He retired in 2014.

He never lost interest in horses, as he continued to watch and follow the industry through his iPad. With many phone calls asking him for his advice or many other questions, everyone knew they could count on him to know the answer.

Mr. Smythe was a dedicated husband, father and pop-pop and loved his Sunday dinners with family. His grandchildren were the sparkle of his eyes. He enjoyed following the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. Everyone who knew him, knew he was a great friend to many and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Laurie (Vollett); daughters, Hannah (Jesse) Warner and Ashley (Joe) Laue; grandchildren, Jacob Warner, David Warner, Joey Laue and Aubrey Laue; siblings, Bob (Beth) Linda (Jack) Wolf, Bruce (Claudia), Susan (Terence) Braden and John (Melody); and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Sunday (Sept. 12) from 2-4 p.m. at Tilghman Funeral Home, 52 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533. (www.tilghmanfh.com). Funeral services will be held Monday (Sept. 13) at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow at the Cream Ridge Cemetery in Cream Ridge, N.J.