Billy R. Smith

Billy R. Smith, age 77, of Paisley, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

He was born in Sterrett and lived in Clanton. He graduated from Chilton High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and his master’s degree from the University of Montevallo.

He taught school in Pelham and Rockford, as well as in Saudi Arabia. He was based in San Diego, California, and served on naval ships, which included the Turner, Bainbridge and Ticonderoga. He was also a drug and alcohol abuse counselor.

He spent the past 20 years traveling – camping and boating – with his wife and writing poetry. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Paisley United Methodist Church, Paisley Association and a former quartermaster for the VFW in Paisley.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Milton and Jack.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Katherine “Kathy” Green Smith; brothers, Ronnie (Mary Ellen) of Hoover and Charles of Florence, South Carolina; sisters, Willene Davenport of Birmingham and Sherry Turner of Naples; sons, Mike (Melinda) and Mark (Alblise); stepsons, James (Evelyn) Green and Wayne (Tonja) Green; stepdaughter, Tanya Ungaro; grandsons, Connor and Luke; granddaughter, Stephanie; step-grandson, Craig (Ciara); step-granddaughter, Candace; and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration was held on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Frazier Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery. He will be laid to rest in the Ray Green Cemetery in Shelby County at a later date.