Billy F Smith's Obituary
Billy F. Smith (Bill) entered into the arms of Jesus at the age of 93. Born in Hatley, Mississippi to parents, Verada and Quinn Smith on March 12, 1930.
Growing up in a rural community of Amory Mississippi with great memories on the farm with hard work and lazy Mississippi summers with his brother. Bill graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in Petroleum Geology and also started his military career there with 4 years in the ROTC. He entered active duty in the Air Force in 1951, assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. After basic training he was transferred to Florida State University Graduate program in Meteorology. Then progressed to USAF 3rd Weather Wing at Andrews AFB, MD and detached duty at Dobbins AFB, GA. In 1953 he was sent to 31st Weather Squadron at Sembach AFB, Germany in an old French occupied air base. He saw a lot of WWII destruction. He and his wife Addiene lived on AF base in Germany when they welcomed his son, Alan, in November 1954. Primarily served as Wing Weather Officer and Chief Forecaster in Sembach. Another position in rural France was offered but with a young child, he left active duty and returned to the US in 1955, joining Sun Oil Company as a planning engineer in Dallas, TX. He joined the AF Reserves, assigned to Perrin AFB, TX as weather officer until 1968.
In 1963, Addiene passed away after a long illness. Sometime later he met his second wife, Joyce, at a Parents Without Partners organization and began building a life together with their three young children, Alan, Craig, and Lark. In 1965 they married and moved to their new home in Richardson, TX. They enjoyed their long-time membership of Waterview Church of Christ in service and fellowship.
An opportunity at Air Force Academy was open and Bill qualified as a liaison officer overseeing
16 officers, covering 26 counties in Texas, recruiting the finest young men and women to the Academy. He also took responsibility of the Annual Conference Commander for several years winning the title, Outstanding Liaison Officer in the country, promoted to Lt. Colonel in 1972, and later promoted to full Colonel.
At University of Dallas, he received a Masters of Business Administration and continued to complete studies 1973-76 in Industrial College of Armed Forces and Air War College. From 1979-82 he was assigned under deputy Chief of Staff of Plans at the Pentagon Air Force preparing plans and operations for energy for the US at a time of war. He has fond memories with a secret security clearance at the Pentagon. Overall, Bill said, "Duties in the AF, either active or reserve, was never a burden."
Bill gave credit to his wife, Joyce, for making it possible for his 34-year career in the AF and 32 years with Sun Oil, where he retired as President of North American planning and drilling, by caring for the children and home. He said, "She worked harder than I did!" In retirement Bill liked to find a returning military flight he and Joyce could catch to various locations in the world. On short notice, Joyce kept suitcases packed and "ready" for their adventures.
Bill kept the good habit of rising early to jog/walk with several buddies around Pearce
HS track. It became therapy after a ladder fall. He was known to walk around the pond at Fountainview where he lived the last few years, even after a fall breaking a hip. He always kept a quiet determination to stay active.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife Addiene (1963); wife Joyce (2019); brother Frank (2021); son Craig (2012); son Alan (2022) and granddaughter Stormie (2001).
Bill is survived by his devoted daughter Lark and husband Robert Schott that carried on the traditions of holiday dinners, birthday parties that many times included neighbors and church friends that were all like family. Survived by granddaughter,
Kate, husband Bert and three grandsons.
Bill had a full life, well lived, and will be long remembered. The family would like to express appreciation for the time of service given by many at Highland Springs/Fountainview facility.
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