SFC Billy C. Smith passed from this life on September 8, 2022 at the age of 73 in Denison, Texas.  He was born on July 28, 1948 in Ada, Oklahoma, son of C.J. Smith and Willa Dean Willis Smith.  Billy had a lively childhood full of adventures and interesting stories with his 2 brothers and sister.  He graduated from Ardmore High School in 1969 and continued his education at Grayson County College where he met the love of his life, Donnett Turnbull.  He and Donna married on December 22, 1973.  Together they built a home where all we  re welcomed and loved.
Sergeant Smith was a faithful soldier who served for over 20 years in the Texas Army National Guard and was responsible for the operation of the Texas Army National Guard Armory in Denison, Texas.  Upon retirement in 1996, he joined the Texas State Guard and served in the former 19th Regiment unit in Dallas, doing hurricane relief for several years.  Sergeant Smith provided assistance to those impacted by disaster and served in the Texas Medical Brigade.   It was in this role where he was promoted to Sergeant First Class.  Sergeant Smith had a long history of serving his fellow man.
Since retiring, he enjoyed music concerts of various genres, traveling with friends and family, and spending time with his 4  grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud. Billy was an extremely generous individual and would often find ways to treat friends and family to a good meal. He never met a stranger and was the first to assist someone in need.
Billy leaves behind his beloved family: daughters, Mindi McGehee and husband, Michael of Cartwright, Oklahoma; Allison Britton and husband, Stephen, of Durant, Oklahoma; and grandchildren: Grayson McGehee; Grant McGehee; Lucie Britton and Ava Britton; brother, Jackie Smith and wife, Lesa of Denison, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Donnett; his parents; sister, Priscilla Smith Vandygriff; and brother, Jim K. Smith.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, September 12, 2022 at Fisher Funeral Home in Denison with Rev. Louella Williams officiating.  Interment followed in Georgetown Cemetery in Pottsboro.  Pallbearers were David Hogan, Keith Bates, Gary Turner, James "Jim" Manis; and Jason Kyle.  Honorary pallbearers were Marvin Smith; David Lee; Herbert Fisher; Donnie Connery; Frank Wright; and John Furlough.