Obituary of Billy Ray Smith

Billy Ray Smith, 80, of Killen, died Friday May 6, 2016 at his home after a battle with cancer. He was a faithful member of Brookhill Church of Christ. Mr. Smith was a proud member of Carpenters Local #109 (now #1209) for 50 plus years. Ray learned how to work hard at an early age and used that lesson to better his life and most important to him, his family's life. He was a master carpenter, using his hands and trade to make a living. He loved going to work, making lifelong friends of all trades. After retirement, he looked forward to planting his garden. Many knew him as "Watermelon Man". Ray loved all his family: siblings, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces & nephews. He took great delight picking, joking & playing with them and gave them all nicknames that stuck with them for life. He enjoyed spending time with his church family. Lifelong friend, B.H. Parker, was a special part of his life. They both enjoyed hunting & gardening together and just being good neighbors. Survivors include: Wife of 61 years, Donna Ann Smith, Killen AL Son: Dennis Smith (Lenie) Daughter: Sharron Gray (Keith), Killen AL Donna Goodwin (Danny), Rogersville AL Brother: Bobby Smith, Lexington AL Sisters: Theodora Hale, Killen AL Doris Green, Olive Branch MS Gloria Allen (Dodie), Lexington AL Grandchildren: Justin Goodwin, Ashley Shelton, Austin Goodwin, Amber Clemmons, Sonya Key, David Gray, Spencer Gray & Madison Smith Preceded in death by: Parents: Jesse & Idell Smith Brother: William Smith Sister: Shirley Hamner Visitation for Mr. Smith will be Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Antioch Church of Christ. The funeral service will be at Antioch Church of Christ on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 1:00pm with Bro. Paul Sheehan officiating. Mr. Smith will lie in state at the church from 11:00 - 1:00pm. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Justin Goodwin, Austin Goodwin, Spencer Gray, Brent Smith, Drew Shelton & B.H. Parker. Honorary pallbearer will be Billy Joe Patton. The family would like to thank ALACARE Hospice and especially Donna & Stephanie. Greenhill Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.