Billy R. Smith, 91, of Laurel, MS passed away Friday, February 17, 2023 at his residence in Laurel, MS. He was born Saturday, February 6, 1932 in Ellisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at Ellisville Funeral Home on 1204 B. Ave. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. The burial will then take place in Oak Bowery Cemetery. Bro. Jay Smith will officiate. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 601-477-3797

Bill was fond of his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as "Papaw". Bill would spend time with his grandchildren in the garden putting them to work as he called it with the kids riding the back of his tractor. On Friday nights they would go out to eat at catfish houses. On Saturdays he would feed them coffee in their baby bottles in the morning as they watched cartoons together. When met with opposition by their mothers, he gently replied, "It ain't gon kill em."

He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Kevin Smith; daughter, Shannon Elizabeth Smith; father, Sim Smith, Sr.; mother, Mary Etta Davis Smith; brothers, Sim Smith, Jr. (Helen), Delton "Blackeyes" Smith (Deloris), Robert Buddy Smith and Henry "Shorty" Smith; and one sister, Mary Hilbun (Daryl). Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Maureen Graves Smith; sons, Lee Smith (Tiffany) and Wayne Pitts (Sharon), and Bryan Pitts (Brenda); daughters, Lisa Cochran (Mike), and Tammy Wood (Terrell); sister, Patricia Williamson (Billy); grandsons, Corbin McDavitt, Josh Cochran (Vickie), Mason Wood (Haley), Peyton Pitts and Calvin Pitts; granddaughters, Anna Bryce Cochran, Britton "Bree" Smith, Tiffany Parker (Allen) and Emily Potter (Jamie); sister-in-law's, Barbara Smith and Linda Smith, Eight great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Mike Cochran, Corbin McDavitt, Greg Hilbun, Mason Wood, Terrell Wood, and Wayne Burroughs.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com