Mr. Billy Ray Smith was born in Clinton, South Carolina on November 10, 1953, to Ruby Watts Smith and the late Langester Smith.
He attended the public schools of Laurens County, South Carolina where he graduated in the Clinton High School Class of 1972. There, he met the love of his life, who later became his wife, Dianne Rice Smith.
At an early age, Mr. Smith joined the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Cross Hill, South Carolina under the pastoral guidance of the late Reverend James Gray. He later began attending Duncan Creek Baptist Church in Laurens, South Carolina to worship with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Billy began working, at an early age, in the textile industry. At that time, he became very knowledgeable about the industry and worked his way up to plant manager at Clinton Mills in Clinton, South Carolina before their closing. After the closing, he worked many jobs at different plants, but always found his way back to the textile industry. He was employed with Milliken (Gilliland) Plant in Laurens, South Carolina where he was supervisor.
He took pride in his work and loved what he did. He received many accolades while working in the textile industry. His thoughts about life and working were, "Take care of your family and be the man you want to be."
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Ms. Floree Leake whom he adored.
Mr. Billy Ray Smith was called from Earth to receive his reward on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital in Laurens County, South Carolina at the age of sixty-eight surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories in addition to his mother, Ms. Ruby Smith; his loving wife of forty-two years, Dianne Smith of the home; three sons: Thomas (Shaniqua) Smith of Greer, SC, Corey (Avious) Smith and Justin (Devonne) Smith both of Laurens, SC: seven grandchildren: Joshua, Kennadi, Akira, Brooklyn, Daniel, Mason, Garrison, and Graham; two sisters: Selmea Garnett of Jacksonville. FL and Barbara Smith of Irmo, SC; three brothers-in-law: Johnny (Martha) Rice and Richard (Annette) Young both of Clinton, SC, and Nathaniel (Elizabeth) Williams of New Haven, MI; three sisters-in-law: Feleshia (Angelo) White of Simpsonville, SC and Shon (Fred) Richardson of Gray Court, SC; a special aunt, Johnnie Vee Brown of Clinton, SC; two childhood friends: Grady Boyd of Spartanburg, SC and Archie Hill of Clinton, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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