Billy Ray Smith, of North Richland Hills, Texas, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2019, peacefully in his home, with loved ones at his side. He was born November 29, 1924 in Wood County, Texas to Ras Smith and Willie Morrow Smith. Billy was the next to the youngest of ten siblings and the last living of them and their spouses. He was famous for his sense of humor and always had a joke ready for any situation. He was lovingly teased for laughing loudest and longest at his own jokes. He was a proud WWII Navy veteran, having served for 19 months at sea in the South Pacific on LST 473. One of his favorite memories was recently going on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with other WWII veterans. Billy spent more than 40 years as a salesman in the grocery business and continued to enjoy regular breakfasts with his “grocery boys.” He loved East Texas, the Dallas Cowboys, playing the lottery, and especially spending time with his family.
Billy is survived by his son, Tony Smith and wife, Linda Smith of Fort Worth, Texas, Rhonda Hicks and husband, Randy Hicks of Bedford, Texas; grandchildren Shelly Smith, Amanda Hicks Vargas and husband, Willy Vargas, Nathan Hicks, Vince Kearns and wife, Shala Kearns and Dawn Kearns; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Bobbie Carson Smith, his parents and siblings.
The family would like to express their love and thanks to all of Billy’s friends and staff at Brookdale North Richland Hills. We will be forever grateful for your loving care of our precious Dad.
Interment will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, TX. Memorial and Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at William C. Martin United Methodist Church, 2621 Bedford Rd., Bedford, TX. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bluebonnethills.com.
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