Billy Neal Smith, 88, Elizabethton, was born March 29, 1932 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 5, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Jewel Smith; mother and father, Neal and Cassie Smith; and brothers, Ross and Mac Smith.
Survivors include his two sons and their wives, Keith and Shirl Smith and Michael and Tressy Smith; granddaughters and their spouses, Lindsey and Josh Gifford and Callie and Micah Montgomery; grandsons and their spouses, Justin Bowers and Caleb and Gjovhanna Smith; great-grandchildren, Augustus Grayson Montgomery and Scout Emerson Gifford; sisters, Kathleen White and Flo Grindstaff; brothers, Lynn Smith and Jerry Grindstaff; and several very special nieces and nephews.
Billy loved the Lord, and his relationship with God was the most important aspect of his life. He would quote his favorite Bible verse almost daily.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Billy was a graduate of Unaka High School and spent his entire life as a resident of Elizabethton (Stoney Creek) with the exception of the four years he served in the Navy (Korean War Conflict) where he traveled to many parts of the mid-Mediterranean. He spoke fondly and often of his experiences traveling to many parts of the world and the friends he made while serving our country.
As an amateur Ham Radio Operator (Call sign WA4PLJ), a very accomplished musician and poet, he had many friends throughout the community and surrounding area who he loved entertaining.
He was very proud of his family and would take every opportunity to brag about his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He would always find the silver lining in every situation and could sum up most with words of wisdom and anecdotes that always seemed to bring clarity.
He had so many very close friends throughout the community that he cherished. His love for them and his community was evident as he spoke of them frequently and could tell stories for hours about his childhood adventures and the relationships with his friends as an adult. He could always bring a smile to your face with his quick wit and sense of humor.
He was a wonderful man and the leader of our family. We feel fortunate that God blessed us with a Dad that was our mentor, our greatest fan, and many times our strength. He was always there to support us throughout our lives.
We will love and miss him deeply, but we also have the faith that we are separated only for a short while and we will be reunited with him and Mom as a family of Christ again.
John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Ye believe in God: Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, where I am there you may be also.”
The family wants to thank the management and staff at Hillview Nursing and Rehab for providing such a wonderful, loving experience for Dad the past few months. What a blessing it was to know that he was in such capable hands. He loved the staff and they loved him. He was very happy and satisfied there, and he called it home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Blevins Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 406, Elizabethton, TN 37644.
With the current COVID-19 virus situation we are saddened to say there will be no visitation at the funeral home and the family asks that immediate family only attend the gravesite service, which will be at Blevins Cemetery.
The graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, April 8, in the Blevins Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Blevins officiating. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at a later date. Friends may register their presence Tuesday until 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Smith family.