Billy Jack Smith Sr., 74, of Johnson City, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Johnson City Medical Center. Billy Jack was a native of Carter County and the son of the late Helen Salyer. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Ellis.
Billy Jack was a graduate of Happy Valley High School, where he lettered in five sports. Later he graduated from the PGA Golf School to become a Club Professional and continued to love golfing throughout his life. He retired from the City of Johnson City as a Parks and Rec employee and had also worked at Mason-Dixon for over 20 years. Billy Jack was a member of Southside Freewill Baptist Church of Elizabethton.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 53 years, Shirley Smith, of the home; a daughter, Jill Luster and husband Greg, of Johnson City; his son, Jack Smith, of Knoxville; a grandson, Benjamin Luster, of Johnson City; a sister, Debbie Wheat, of Kingsport; and two brothers, Tim Peters, of Newport, and Ronnie Peters, of Johnson City. Several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law also survive.
A service to honor the life of Billy Jack Smith Sr. will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Steve Burleson and Pastor Todd Ellis officiating. Music will be under the direction Mrs. Mary Ellis. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, April 28, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Bill Fuller, Dave Ferrell, Buzz Cox, Jason Kyte, Chad Gough and Kenneth “Turtle” Scalf. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Southside Freewill Baptist Church and all of his brothers-in-law. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at 9:15 a.m. Friday at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton to go in procession. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook or by fax to 423-542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home is serving the Smith family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.