Billy Richard Smith

Billy Richard Smith, 71, of Crossett, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at the Ashley County Medical Center.  He was born in Sulligent, Alabama, on December 31, 1949, and was a resident of Ashley County for most of his life.  In 1968, he graduated from Crossett High School, and a year later found himself half a world away serving in the Vietnam Conflict as a member of the 101st Airborne Division in the U. S. Army.

In 1970, after being honorably discharged from the Army, Billy returned to Crossett and began a forty-three-year long career with Georgia Pacific, where he eventually retired as the Tissue Converting D Division Supervisor.

Billy was a quiet man, who spoke few words; but spoke wisely and knew how to put a smile on your face.  He could be hard-headed, at times, but was a giver and a helper to others, always putting others before himself.  The importance of having an unwavering work ethic and respect for others was extremely important to him, a trait he most certainly passed down to his children.

In his earlier days, Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and even drag racing, but through the years, his idea of a good day was just sitting outside on a nice day sipping coffee and visiting with his friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James R., and Dorothy “Dot” Stanley Smith.  He is survived by two sons, Charlie Smith and wife, Karla, and Scott Smith and special friend, Lauren Gaught, all of Crossett; and one daughter, Angela Lephiew and husband, Danny, also of Crossett; along with three siblings, Fran Bagley and husband, Barry, of Harvest, AL, and Bobby Smith and wife, Lynette, and Mike Smith and wife, Mandy, all of Crossett; eight grandchildren, Theo, Crockett, Luke, Dylan, Sierra, and McKenna Smith, Brittney Rice, and Cody Lephiew; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 12, at Sims Cemetery, with Pastor Donnie Dubose, officiating.  Pallbearers are Holt Smith, Tyler Mallett, Peyten McNiece, Hayden Matthews, and Theo and Crocket Smith.  Honorary pallbearers are his Tissue Converting Co-workers, Chazz Rice, Danny Lephiew, Cody Lephiew, Aubrey Lephiew, Dylan and Luke Smith, and Seth Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Hope at Home organization.

Medders Funeral Home is complying with the CDC and the Arkansas Governor’s mandates regarding funerals and visitations and asking everyone to practice social distancing and refrain from any physical contact.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Those that are considered high risk, running fever, or have been recently exposed to someone positive with COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home to protect themselves and others.

A downloadable service program will be available at the bottom of this page on the day of service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Billy Richard Smith, please visit our floral store.