Billy R. Smith, 87, of Tifton passed away on March 21, 2010. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 in the Memorial Chapel of Tifton’s First Baptist Church. Dr. Wayne Roe and Dr. W. Ches Smith III will officiate with burial to follow at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 in Baldwin Memorial Gardens in Milledgeville. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Smith was born on December 22, 1922 in Devereaux and was preceded in death by his parents, Ada and Thomas Smith; three brothers and two sisters. As a young man, Billy worked for the Civilian Conservation Corporation. In 1948, he started working for J.P. Stevens Company in Milledgeville and rose to become General Manager of plants in Statesboro and Tifton, where he retired after 38 years of service. During his career, he was active in the Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, United Way and the Georgia Southern Foundation. After his retirement, he enjoyed wood working and carving animals and many Santa Clauses, which he shared with many people. His work was displayed in the Tift County Library in 1996. He and his wife, Martha, enjoyed world traveling, including Asia and Europe.
Billy was well known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He strongly valued education and was very proud of all of his children’s educational achievements.
Billy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha C. Smith of Tifton; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert L. and Angela Smith of Milledgeville; one son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Sandy Smith of Birmingham, Alabama; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Melinda Smith of St. Simons Island; Peggy and Tommy Wingo of Gainesville; Billie Kay and Brian Snell of Gadsden, Alabama; granddaughters and their spouses; Stephanie and Stacey Hanson of Roswell; Jessica and Shawn Hunter of Canton; grandsons, Jeremy Wingo of Canton; William Tomberlin of Savannah; six great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church of Tifton or The Alzheimers Association.