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Submitted: 4/26/16 • Approved: 4/26/16 • Last Updated: 3/26/18 • R122992-G0-S3
December 9, 1932 - November 5, 2015
W. F. "Billy" Smith, Jr. of Springhill, was born in Mansfield on December 9, 1932 and entered into the Lord's presence, with his family by his side, on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at the age of 82. Billy, a resident of Springhill since age five, was the founder of Smith's South-Central Sales Company and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Billy's career, which brought him much joy, began at a young age working in the family pulpwood business. A graduate of Springhill High School and an accounting graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Billy had a strong desire to raise his family in Springhill and own his own business. He established Smith Oil and Tire Company which grew into a nationally recognized power equipment distribution business, Smiths South-Central Sales Company, that is now run by his son, daughter and many employees that have worked along-side him since the early years. His success in business and commitment to his community earned Billy the Springhill Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
Billy, also lovingly called "Pa Honey" or "Punny" by his grandchildren, enjoyed many hobbies. His family and friends will forever treasure laughter-filled memories of traveling and camping. Billy had a talent for barbecuing and gardening, areas where his precision and attention to detail were handy. Above all, Billy was a proud husband, father, and grandfather who devoted himself to the interest of his family.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, William Francis Smith and Ouida Rambin Smith and brother, James Smith. His is survived by his adored wife of 59 years, Shirley McMichael Smith; children, Kathy Kottenbrook, Rose Taliaferro and husband, Scott and Robert Smith and wife, Suzanne, all of Springhill; grandchildren, Jenny Taliaferro Blalock and husband, Casey of Ruston; Brandon Kottenbrook and wife, Paige of Shreveport; AnnaBeth Smith, Payne Smith and Hudson Smith of Springhill; great-grandson, Paxton Kottenbrook; and brother, John Smith of Monroe. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews as well as many personal and professional friends.
The family would like to thank our many friends of the community, medical staffs, and caregivers for their love, care and support during Billy's illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Casper officiating. Burial will be in the Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, LA. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Bailey Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dr. Matthew Lane, Clay Sandefur, Vic Hemmard, Jack McMurtry, Michael Whittington and Danny Edens. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Smiths South-Central Sales Company.
Contributed on 4/26/16 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 122992