Billy Marshall Smith

LAURINBURG — Billy Marshall Smith, known as Bill by his friends, and dad or grandad by his family, passed away peacefully on Jan. 28, 2026.

Born on Feb. 28, 1938 in Rockingham, he was the son of the late Monroe C. Smith and the late Lelia C. Smith.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Feb. 7, 2026, 11 a.m. at The First Baptist Church, Laurinburg, followed by a time of visitation with the family in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be a private family service at a later time.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Davis Smith; daughter, Angela Smith Shively (Elliott) of Ferrum, Virginia; son, Steven M. Smith of Wilmington; and grandsons, Craig D. Shively (and wife Mariann) of Durham, and Jesse R. Shively of Ferrum, Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Bradley of Rockingham.

Those who knew Bill the best would describe him as a true southern gentleman who never met a stranger. His legacy is one of kindness and gentle guidance. His influence will continue to be felt and loved by those who were fortunate to have known him. He loved his family and the time he spent with his children and grandchildren brought him his greatest happiness.

Bill attended public schools in Rockingham, NC, and played football at Rohanen High School. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Administration. His first job after college was in management with J P Stevens Company in Rockingham. Later, Bill and his family moved to Laurinburg where he opened a Nationwide Insurance Agency known as the Bill M. Smith Agency. He earned many other insurance designations while continuing to run his business until his retirement in 2004.

During Bill's career, he was very involved in the Scotland County Community, volunteering his time for many service organizations. He was very instrumental in helping raise funds for the Saint Andrews College Campaign in the early life of the school. He was a long-time member of the Optimist Club, working many years for the youth in the county. He served the club as president and earned the distinction of Life Membership. He was a member of the Laurinburg Masonic Lodge, a Shriner, and a member of the Jaycees.

In addition to Bill's service work, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Laurinburg, where he found great joy in the fellowship and service. He served as a deacon in the church and worked with many committees in different capacities. He was a member of the choir, which was a great joy he loved to share with others.

Those who knew the fun side of Bill knew his love for the beach and the enjoyment he shared there with his family and friends. In his spare time, he spent much of his life at his beach house at Cherry Grove riding on his boat, making memories that will never be forgotten. He also loved a party, and he could be found shagging to the beach music with his wife, Betty, on many Saturday nights. He also enjoyed his local Laurinburg daily breakfast group and looked forward to the fellowship they all shared. He loved to travel, and he and Betty were fortunate to have visited many places in the US, as well as other countries.

The family expresses gratitude and love to the Laurinburg Community for providing loving friendships, and for a lifetime of joy for our remarkable husband, father and grandfather.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Laurinburg, PO Box 883, Laurinburg, N.C. 28353.

Funeral services are entrusted to Richard Boles Funeral Service.