William Billy Smith, Sr. was born in Asheville, NC on May 18, 1939 and departed this life on October 24, 2019. He was the son of the late Juanita Bivens.
He graduated from Stephens Lee High School, where he was a devoted member of the marching band and an avid drummer.
William married Genevieve Smith at the age of 20 and from this union they had two daughters and a son. Later, William moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He worked for Sherwin Williams Paint Co., Sears and Roebuck and Parker Hannifin where he retired in 2005.
William leaves to cherish his memory his three children; Denise Smith Carter, Juanita Smith Lindsey (Anthony), and Billy Smith, Jr. (Rachel), a sister Nancy Brewton of Brooklyn, NY, eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and a special friend Madolyn C. Sherrell.
A funeral service honoring his life will be held Saturday, November 2nd at 1pm at St. James AME Church located at 44 Hildebrand St. in Asheville, NC. Burial will immediately follow the service in Sunset Cemetery.
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