Billy James Smith

Billy James Smith

Billy James Smith, 73, passed away on August 13, 2015 at Providence Hospital in Anchorage. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Verna (née Morgan) Smith and brothers Robert and Jack (Sandra) Smith.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; brother Roger Smith and sister Jeanette Frank; son, Scott Smith; daughters, Desiree Dawn Latour, Shari Reid (Josh), Terese (Ron) Adams and Natalie (Edward) Dines; along with 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Billy was born on March 7, 1942 in Graysville, Missouri. His family moved to Palmer, Alaska in 1951. At age 16, Billy started his career as a heavy equipment operator, working at the Jonesville Coal Mine in Sutton. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1965, and is a Veteran of the Cuban Missile Conflict. On November 20, 1992, Billy married Beverly Brown. He lived a rich life married to the woman he adored.

Billy was a loyal friend to many, always ready to give a hand. He was a member of the Elks and the Local 302 Operating Engineers. Billy was a hard-working man with many hobbies. He was a talented musician and vocalist that could play any instrument that he picked up. He enjoyed playing the banjo and guitar, and he loved to sing and jam with his friends. He had music in his soul.

Billy also enjoyed restoring vintage cars, woodworking and gardening. He was an avid golfer, tennis player, artist and painter. But his true love was of his family. His family remembers him as a man of few words, but his smile could light up a room.

Please come celebrate his life with us with a pot luck celebration on Saturday, August 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Palmer Elks Lodge #1842, located at 2600 N. Barrys Resort Drive.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Kidney Foundation at kidney.org in Billy's full name.

Share words of comfort at alaskacremation.com