Billy "Smitty" Smith

Billy Joe Smith, Sr., “Smitty”, 86, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, with his daughter by his side at The Cedars, McPherson.

Billy was born on September 5, 1937, in Anderson, SC, the son of Essie and Thomas F. Smith, Sr.  Following high school graduation, Billy served eight years in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, KS, and this is where he met the love of his life, Shirley Rose “Rosie” Regier.  They married on May 16, 1959, in Salina, KS, and this union was blessed with four children, Steven, Dayna, Tracy, and Billy, Jr.  Billy and Shirley were married for 56 years prior to her passing on October 22, 2015.

He retired from Schwan’s as a semi-truck driver.

Survivors include: his daughter, Dayna Needham (Scot) of McPherson, KS; daughter-in-law, Angie Smith of Galva, KS; sister, Margaret Timmerman; six grandchildren, Kylie Schmidt (Charlie Vasquez), Abby Behrns (Kendal), Wesston Smith (Amanda), Meghan Gehring (Reese), Shane Smith, and Kelcie Sanchez (Domingo); nine great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sons, Tracy Joe Smith, Billy Joe Smith, Jr., and Steven Joe Smith; a grandson, Billy Joe Smith, III; daughter-in-law, Renee Smith; and siblings, Edmond Smith, Thomas F. Smith, Jr., and Louvenia West.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Rev. Emily Spearman Cannon officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to The Cat House or McPherson Animal Shelter in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.