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Billy Smith Obituary

Billy Mack Smith Oct 3, 1924-Nov 6, 2012 Bill Smith's life was a testament to serving others. A charismatic man with great humility, he leaves a legacy of love and compassion for those less fortunate. After hearing Franklin D. Roosevelt speak when he was a young boy, Bill wanted to be just like him and considered himself a "yellow dog" Democrat from that moment forward. Born in Rising Star, Texas on October 3, 1924, Bill graduated from Cross Plains High School, where he was the football team's quarterback and went to the state finals in tennis. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was about to be deployed overseas when he was selected for Officer Training School. He became part of the Marines V-12 program and was sent to Southwestern University, where he played quarterback on the football team. He loved to reminisce about playing the Texas Longhorns in Memorial Stadium and getting knocked down many times by UT great Hub Bechtol, who picked him up and told him he was too little to be playing football! Following his time at Southwestern, Bill's V-12 unit was relocated to Colorado College in Colorado Springs, where he lettered three additional years as quarterback, and his great speed earned him the nickname "Rabbit Billy Smith." At Colorado College, Bill met his future wife, Elizabeth Anne Bowman and received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. He then began a successful career as a high school teacher and football coach in Ballinger, Dublin and Rockwall, Texas. In the mid 1950s, Bill moved his family to Tyler, Texas and began a second career in the publishing business. Upon his retirement, he returned to Colorado to work for Christ the King Episcopal Church and started a soup kitchen for Arvada's homeless population. Subsequently he moved to South Carolina to serve as Director of Lay Ministries for Christ Church, Greenville. Because his children and grandchildren were still in Texas, he decided to move to Austin, where he became Director of Lakeway Church until his final retirement. Along the way, Bill amassed throngs of admirers for his wisdom, generosity, kindness to people and animals and joie de vivre. Everyone loved him, and even his football players from decades ago still came to visit "Coach" and pay their respects. He drew great pleasure from fishing at Yellowstone National Park, watching college football, particularly the Texas Longhorns, attending St. Matthew's and spending time with family and friends. His children want to convey heartfelt thanks to the staff of Barton Hills Assisted Living and Barton Hills Guest House for their attentive, respectful and loving care throughout his last years. Bill is survived by his sister Evelyn Stiles, son Paul Smith and daughter-in-law Staci Oller Smith, all of Tyler; daughter Gale Scott, daughter Carol Smith Adams, son-in-law Chris Adams and daughter Amy Smith, all of Austin; nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 24th at 2:00pm, with the family greeting guests at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive, Austin, TX 78759 or Animal Trustees of Austin, PO Box 14542, Austin, TX 78761.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Nov. 13, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Carol, your Dad was always so sweet to me and all of my family. He always had a smile on his face and always had a genuine interest in what was going on in our lives. I loved seeing and visiting with him at family gatherings. What a sweet man! I am very sorry for your loss. I know that Bill is in heaven having a great time with that huge smile on his face!

Brenda Brumbelow

November 17, 2012

Our thoughts are with you and the family during this time of great sorrow. May time and warm memories ease the loss.

Eric Joe

November 15, 2012

All of us at Barton Hills send you our love. I am so delighted to have had the privilege to know and care for Mr. Smith. There is a big hole in the hearts of the staff. Big hug to you Carol!! Love, Heidi

November 14, 2012

Carol and Chris, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. This is the part of life that is the most difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Melanie Olguin

November 14, 2012

Carol, You are rightly proud of him as I imagine he was of you. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Lots of love, Rosemary & George

Rosemary Merriam

November 14, 2012

Carol & Chris , Gale and Family,
I just heard about your dear father..
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to get to know your father. He was such a kind, sweet and sincere man and he made the world a better place. I feel sad for your loss and I am thinking of you all.

Tracy Chugani

November 13, 2012

Carol, on behalf of all of us at ASA and me personally, I want to express my sympathy to you and your family. Your Father obviously instilled in you a sense of community and caring. With our prayers, Paul

Paul Scott

November 13, 2012

Your daddy was a great man! We loved getting to know him over the years since Chris & Julie met at Stanford. Our first meeting was when Julie played in the MCAA finals in 1997. We enjoyed seeing him when visiting Chris & Julie in Austin over the last five years. We enjoyed hearing with about his life, including football & the military. His gentle kindness and quick wit will long be remembered by Steve and me and all who knew him. God bless you all and we are remembering you in our prayers.

Danielle & Steve Thu

November 13, 2012

Carol and Chris, we are so sorry for your loss. Your father lived a life rich in love and service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With love, Jay & Stephen

Jay Kleine

November 13, 2012

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