Billy Ray Smith (Seymour)'s Obituary
Billy Ray Smith, son of Byrl James and Virginia Katherine (Clark) Smith, and long-time resident of Seymour, Missouri, passed away peacefully at this home on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at the age of sixty-five years, five months and one day young.
In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 41 years, Karen Sue (Longcor) Smith, who departed this world September 23, 2013; his sister, Virginia Sue Smith; and brother, James Ira Smith.
Billy Ray leaves behind three children; son, Aaron James Smith and wife April, of Seymour, Missouri; daughter, Christine Marie Cordova and husband Gabriel, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri; and son, Byrl James Smith and girlfriend Samantha McWilliams, of Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren Danielle, Carsen, Brady, Gracie, Alexa, Ashlyn, and Baby Amelia due in March; four sisters, Phyllis Ann Harmon of Colorado; Brendia Kay Cline of Colorado; Norma Jean Muse and husband James, of Ft. Lupton, Colorado; Becky Howerton and husband Steve, of Keenseburg, Colorado; one brother, Paul Thomas Smith and wife Jeanette, of South Dakota; Kathy Sue Duncan was raised with and like a sister to Billy Ray; and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors who will miss him dearly.
One of eight children, he was born September 17, 1948, in Kingsport, Tennessee. His parents’ employment moved the family to Ft. Lupton, Colorado, where he was then raised and attended school. While visiting his sister in Des Moines, Iowa, Billy would meet his future wife, Karen, after being set up on a blind date arranged by their sisters who worked together. They would marry on April 8, 1972. They lived in Des Moines for little more than a year before moving to Fortuna, Missouri. It was on a trip to Springfield that Billy saw a sign for a farm for sale in rural Seymour and in 1976, they settled into the area and raised their children. Billy was a Vietnam War veteran who honorably served his country for five years as a Sonar Technician Third Class in the United States Navy. At heart, Billy was a life-long farmer, and from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s, he was the proud owner of Smith & Company Realtors with an office in downtown Seymour. He was also a very active member of the Seymour community. Billy served numerous terms on the Seymour School Board, was a member of the Seymour Chamber of Commerce, worked as Commissioner of the Seymour branch’s Special Road District, served as a board member of the Webster County Fire Protection District, and was a dedicated member of the Hazelwood Masonic Lodge #459 in Seymour. The Boy Scouts of America was an organization very near to his heart. Though not a scout himself, he fully supported his sons as scouts and was an active participant during and even after their affiliation with BSA. Billy Ray Smith was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. We recognize and honor his brave service to our country. He will be fondly remembered as a loyal friend and a man with a great sense of humor and quick wit. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and the legacy he leaves behind. We will cherish each moment spent with him and every dear memory he created for those who knew and loved him.
The Smith Family respectfully requests memorial donations be made in Billy's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.
What’s your fondest memory of Billy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Billy?
Share a story where Billy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Billy you’ll never forget.
How did Billy make you smile?
