Willie Smith, Jr.

Willie Eugene "Billy" Smith, Jr., 81, died Friday, March 15, 2013, at his home. Born November 6, 1931, in Spartanburg, he was the son of the late Willie Eugene Smith, Sr. and Mary Catherine Smith Childress and husband of the late Shirley Dean Bridges Smith. Mr. Smith was a graduate of Wofford College and a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Japan from 1955 to 1957. He retired after 30 years of service at Piedmont Natural Gas and was a member of Southside Baptist Church. He was a member of the "Hardees Breakfast Club", had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and play jokes, and enjoyed reading his art books. He loved Spartanburg where his favorite restaurants were The Beacon and Wade's; he also enjoyed eating at fish camps and was active in Mobile Meals. Survivors include sons, Darryl E. Smith of Atlanta, GA, David D. Smith of Greenville, SC, and Douglas D. Smith of Charlotte, NC; daughter-in-law, Debra L. Griffin of Atlanta, GA; granddaughters, Whitney C. Smith of New York City, NY, and Hannah G. Smith of Atlanta, GA. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Gary Jordan. Visitation will follow at the graveside after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615. The family is at their respective homes. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Willie Eugene "Billy" Smith, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.