Billy Joe Smith

Mr. Billy Joe Smith, age 92, a resident of Auburndale, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills Assisted Living Facility surrounded by family. Mr. Smith was born November 16, 1933, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to R.D. and Edna D. (Tompkins) Smith. Billy was an Auburndale resident since 1946 coming from Arkansas and graduated from Auburndale High School. He was a Mechanic & Electrician in the Citrus Industry where he worked for Adams Packing and Bordo. He also worked for Comcar Trucking on refrigeration units and Cantex PVC Pipe Manufacturing. You could usually find Billy bow fishing for perch in Lake Ariana, or gardening but most of all he loved to spend time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 45 years – Betty Jo Frankenburger Smith and wife of 17 years – Murlene Hazel Dukes Smith; 2 brothers – Bobby Jack Smith & Ronald Dean Smith and 1 sister – Edith DeBarry. Billy is survived by his loving family, 3 sons – David Alan (Elizabeth) Smith, Stephen Edward (Stephanie) Smith & Patrick Lynn (Adrianna) Smith; 6 grandchildren – Matthew (Janelle) Smith, Christopher (Amanda) Wright, Zachary (Alyson) Smith, Faith (Kristopher) Ring, Clayton (Diana) Smith & Coleton (Lexi) Smith; 4 great grandchildren – Carter Wright, Grayson Smith, Gatlin Smith & Adeleigh Smith; sister-in-law – Jean Huntley and several nieces, nephews & cousins. Funeral service will be held 11am Wednesday, April 1st at First Missionary Baptist Church, 406 Main Street, Auburndale. Visitation will be held before service from 10am until 11am at the church. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.