Sherman - Billy Ray Smith, 79, passed away February 19, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at his home. On April 1, 1939, he was born to Wesley and Clester Braden Smith in Lee County. Billy married his best friend and mother of his children, Delores Smith, on June 10, 1960. For a number of years, he worked for Mid-South Packers for 19 years before retiring from Tom's Automotive as a diesel mechanic. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially Jeff Gordon. Billy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who loved spending time with his family. Billy also enjoyed gardening and pony pulling. He was a door greeter and active member of East Heights Baptist Church for over forty years.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Delores Smith of Sherman; son, Danny Ray Smith and his wife, Kim of Sherman; daughters, Tina Bramlett of Tupelo and Tami Allred of Mantachie; grandchildren, Danny Smith, Jr. of Nettleton, Danielle Palmer of Mooreville, Kirby Smith of Sherman, Maria Smith of Sherman, Heaven Reese of Fulton and Alexus Allred of Mantachie; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia Moreland of Amory and Frances Daugherty of Mantachie; and two sister-in-laws, Rita Kirk and Mary Gibson, both of Tupelo.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Clester Smith; grandsons, Jonathan Bramlett and Axl Allred; sisters, Gladys Turner and Opal Patton; brothers, Wesley Smith, Jr., Charles Smith, Merle Smith and J.V. Smith.
Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until service time Thursday, February 21, 2019 at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo.
Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. Tim Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Sherman Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Quitman Harris, Lonnie Harris, John Estes, Melvin Langley, Dave Monaghan and Charlie Aldridge.
Memorials may be made to East Heights Baptist Church Building Fund, 205 Lake Street, Tupelo, MS 38804.
Services will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at
www.peguesfuneralhome.com
.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at
www.peguesfuneralhome.com
.