Billy Joe Smith, age 89, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, with his loving family by his side. A 1954 graduate of Lucedale High School, Billy answered his country's call to service by joining the United States Air Force. He served for four years, including a year stationed in Korea.

Following his military service, he returned home to Lucedale and met the love of his life, Betty Howell, beginning a lifelong journey together centered on love, faith, and family. Billy worked at Brookley Field until its closure and then began a career as a firefighter at the U.S. Naval Base in Gulfport, Mississippi retiring in 1986. Finding retirement gave him too much free time, he accepted a job at Walmart and worked there for 19 years. 

Billy loved people. He never met a stranger and was interested in the lives of those he met. He was filled with joy and always had a funny story to tell. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. An avid reader and lifelong learner, he had endless curiosity about the world and was always eager to learn something new. He was devoted to Bible study and loved his church family dearly; he was a lifelong member of Lucedale Church of Christ.

Billy treasured his family. He was devoted to his wife and found great joy in being with those he loved most. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren always felt his abundant love, and he leaves them with a legacy of faith, service and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Barry Allister Smith; parents, John Almie and Minnie Lee Goff Smith, siblings, Vermell (Herman) Cronier, John (Lila) Dickerson, and Peggy (Charlie) Chapman.       

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Betty Howell Smith; children, Charlene (Keith) Harris and Brian (Vicki) Smith; grandchildren, Katie Harris, Jenna (Garrett) White, Brianna Smith, and Canyon Smith; great grandchildren, Peter White and Julia White; sister, Wanda Draime; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Lucedale Church of Christ. The Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 PM in the church sanctuary with Bro. Sean Berch officiating. Burial will follow in Howell Cemetery. Pallbearers include Canyon Smith, Greg Cronier, Billy Zender, Wynn Stringer, Dee Stringer, and Forest Fryfogle.    

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to Magnolia Messenger, a publication dear to Billy Joe’s heart. Send donations to P.O. Box 1578, Kosciusko, MS 39090, or contact them at 662-792-2800 for more information.

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements.