Billy Earl Smith's Obituary
SMITH, BILLY EARL, “B.E.”, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on March 8, 2014 surrounded by his children with gospel music playing that took him home to Jesus his Lord and Savior. He was born in Jacksonville, Texas on April 8, 1930 to parents Dan and June Smith. He attended schools in Dallas after his family moved here in 1936; a proud Regan “Rat” and an even prouder Adamson “Leopard”. He graduated from WH Adamson High School in 1948. Was captain of the 1947 City Champion Football Team where he played center and nose guard. He was “All City Center” and was listed in the Who’s Who of Texas Football players in Texas as an outstanding player in 1947. Declining a football scholarship to serve his country, he joined the Navy after graduation and served till 1950. He married the love of his life, JoAnne Wilson on March 16, 1951. Together they raised their two children, Billy Jack and Jennifer Jill, affectionately known as “Jack and Jill”. He and JoAnne had a wonderful life together for 63 years. As a young man home from the navy, B.E. worked at Proctor and Gamble where he played on the multi championships softball team and was a “ping pong” champion for many years at the company tournaments. He later worked at Collins Radio during the 60’s space age boom. In 1970 he joined Daleo Plumbing Co. as the lead Master Plumber and became a partner/co-owner of the company in the mid 70’s; Later he started his own business BESCO Plumbing, when in 2005 he sold the company to an employee whom he had mentored for over 20 years, Mike McGriff, who was like a son to him. B.E. mentored 100’s of young men throughout his life as a Scout Master, softball coach for the Oakwoods Christian Church Men’s Softball team (which won back to back Dallas City Championships in the Disciple of Christ Church League). He organized the team and was the star pitcher! He was a proud member of Trinity Christian Church and Oakwoods Christian Church where he served as a deacon, church treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday school song leader and Youth Leader. B.E. loved fishing with his son and brother in law off the Texas coast. He was also an avid Texas Rangers Fan never missing a Ranger game, even if it meant carrying a transistor radio in his pocket to listen to the game at his daughter’s graduation! He is survived by his daughter, Jill Smith Jackson; son Billy Jack Smith and wife, Robin Upton; grandchildren, Janna Allison Jackson and Jennifer Jackson Huff and husband, John Huff; great grandsons, Henry Wilson Huff and Samuel Ewing Huff, all of whom were his pride and joy. Sister, Helen Price and husband Travis. Brother in Law, Willie Wilson and wife, Sylvia; Sisters in Law, Martha Nelson and husband Fred; Tomi Bauman and husband Jay. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife JoAnne Wilson Smith; father, Dan Smith; mother, June Nelson; and brother, Jack Smith. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Restland Wildwood Chapel.
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