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Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery

5740 West 19th Street

Lubbock, Texas

Billy Smith Obituary

Billy Herbert Smith Billy Herbert Smith, 84, of Lubbock, Texas passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, in Resthaven Funeral Home's Abbey Chapel. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and loved ones on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home. Please join us in celebrating Billy's life by visiting his memorial at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com. Billy was born on April 16, 1927, in Tupelo, Texas, to the late Alvy B. and Lily (Mitchell) Smith. He married Minalee Wilson on February 3, 1952, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Billy graduated from Wichita Falls High and Midwestern State University, where he played football at each school. Billy was a disabled veteran who served in the Navy during World War II. He resided in Odessa, Texas, for 40 years and retired after 25 years as a Drilling Superintendant for Forest Oil Corporation. He was an avid golfer, outdoorsman, and enjoyed his RV - taking many trips to the mountains in Colorado. Billy was a family man; he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren very much - and also was a loving son and brother. He was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Tufares of Wichita Falls, Texas. Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of 59 years, Minalee Smith of Lubbock; daughter, Melanie Sanderson and husband Brian of Lubbock; son, David R. Smith and wife Karen of Burleson; three grandsons, Joseph Smith, Daniel Smith, and Matthew Sanderson; two granddaughters, Emily Sanderson and Heather Sanderson; two great-granddaughters, Brooke Smith and Valerie Sanderson; sister, Diantha Dickens-Reznicek of Corsicana; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on May 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Billy Smith

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Jan Brown

June 20, 2011

Dear Melanie, David, Mrs. Smith and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Smith. I have so many wonderful memories of the times I spent in your home in Odessa. Mr. Smith was always so sweet and funny, teasing us mercilessly. Both he and Mrs. Smith were some of my very favorite people and important contributors to my memories of growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Having lost both my parents in the last few years, I know how difficult this time must be for you, but your faith, your good memories and your love for each other will sustain you. I think of you often and would love to see you.
Sincerely,
Jan Scates Brown
Odessa, Texas

Karson Robinson

May 25, 2011

Grandad was like another grandfather to me from the first time I met him and Mamalee at a basketball game my Jr year of high school when me and heather had just started dating till the time he passed away grandad was always there asking how i was doing. Through the 5 years that I have been dating their beautiful granddaughter I have learned so much about love and compassion through both Grandad and Mamalee I hope that when me and Heather get married we can be just as in love as both of them were even this late in their lives it was so comforting to see that every time I visited there house. I'm going to miss him very much.

I love you Grandaddy!

Doyle (Silky) Weatherby

May 25, 2011

Minalee it was truly sad that when I learned of Billy Herbert's passing. He truly was one of my favorite people that was a joy to be around. We played alot of golf together and permit me to say that he was truly a tribute to honesty and character building on the golf course. This is when one could be counted on to show their true colors and he always took the high road.
Minalee he always spoke very fondly of you and his family.

Blessings,
Doyle Weatherby
Odessa, Texas

Charlie Evans

May 25, 2011

My sincere condolences to Minalee and family. Billy was a "good buddy" and I always enjoyed him. I know he will be greatly missed. Blessings from Charlie Evans.

May 25, 2011

Th members of Greater Lubbock Chapter of Military Officers Association of America salute Billy H. Smith. We admire and respect him for his valiant military service for our country.

David Cummins
LTC JAGC-USA ret.
COL 4th U.S. Army Cavalry Regiment (Memorial Association)

Lydia Jowers

May 25, 2011

I have been taking care of Billy and Minalee,for awhile and they are very Special people.Billy always showed his concern for other people.Every morning he say 'there is that smiling face'.He'd always wanna think about breakfast.I will never this man .

May 24, 2011

WE are so sorry to hear of Billy's passing but our memories will live on and they are many. We always enjoyed being in his presence because he kept us laughing. He will be greatly missed. Our condolence goes to Minalee and the rest of his family. Love from Ann and Billy Warfield.

Randy & Marinelle Szenasy

May 24, 2011

Minalee, David, Melanie & Family,

Words are so inadequate at a time such as this. We owe so much to Bill, who was responsible for getting Randy into the O&G business. He was one of Randy's mentors and role models, besides being his cousin.Today is our 36th wedding anniversary, and we remember him fondly as Randy's Best Man. We are comforted in knowing that he's in a far greater place now. Remembering all of you in thought and prayer.

Love,

Randy and Marinelle

May 24, 2011

Minalee,
Loma and I are deeply saddened to learn that my dear and special friend has expired. Our friendship goes way back before high school. Billy Herbert's dad and my dad were close friends also. Billy H. was a fine gentleman and always very kind to me; I felt we had a very good and lasting friendship even though our paths in later life crossed only at Firends of the Forties gatherings. Please know our prayers and good wishes are meant sincerely for you and your family. Perhaps we might have an occasion in the future to have a good personal visit; I would look forward to that. May God's blessings be abundant for each of you.
Robert A. Rugeley
[email protected]

Barbara Bowmer Davis

May 24, 2011

May 24th
Minalee I am so sorry to hear about Billy Herbert. Am with you and your family in thoughts and prayers.

Mark Warfield

May 24, 2011

Billy was a neat guy...funny, personable and always willing to help out in just about any way he could. I have great memories of him from the past and he will be missed indeed. His name is mentioned quite often when my dad talks about his past and growing up with Billy. May God bless his family during this difficult time. Billy's in a better place now and I look forward to seeing and hearing his stories in heaven!!!

Take care,

May 24, 2011

Malcolm Manns

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5740 West 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407

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