Billy Wayne "Bill" Smith

Bill Smith, 81, of Covington passed away December 18, 2025, following a brief illness. At the time of his passing, Bill's wife of 60 plus years, Jean (Orr) Smith, was at his side. Bill was born in Concord, North Carolina and raised in Charlotte. He attended East Mecklenburg High School and Clemson University. Bill and his family settled in Covington in 1973 and have resided in the community since that time. Bill was employed with several firms in the telecommunications industry but spent most of his career with AT&T where he retired after 32 years as a manager.

He had many hobbies including gardening, golfing, hunting and fishing. Unquestionably, Bill's most notable accomplishment among his leisure activities was landing an 80.6-pound Gag Grouper in Destin, Florida in 1993 which still stands as the reigning world record.

Bill was a member of Gum Creek Presbyterian Church and served in multiple capacities within the church including Session Member and as a High School Sunday School teacher which he fondly remembered

His focus and joy were always time spent with friends and family. Bill and Jean had three children and two grandchildren to continue their legacy. Bill is survived by his wife Jean of Covington; a son Alan (Valerie) Smith of Daniel Island, South Carolina; a granddaughter Hannah-Catherine (Ryan) Brann of Arlington, Virginia; and grandson Zachary (Kristina) Smith of Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico; two brothers Larry Smith of Hiawassee, Georgia and Jerry (Lilya) Smith of Bokeelia, Florida; and two sisters Doris Guida of Winchester, Virginia and Iris McSwain of Belmont, North Carolina; a sister-in-law Joyce (Watson) Finger of Richmond, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his father and mother Rupert and Winifred (Love) Smith; his daughter Andrea Smith; and his son Bryan Smith.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Caldwell and Cowan Funeral Home (1215 Access Rd, Covington).

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Caldwell and Cowan Funeral Home (1215 Access Rd, Covington).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choice or Gum Creek Presbyterian Church (Oxford, Georgia) in Bill's memory.