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William Smith Obituary
Spartanburg - William McBee Smith passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Billy, as he was fondly known, was the son of the late Roy McBee Smith, Sr., and Grace Jackson Smith.
Billy is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Karen Shoemaker Smith, and his wonderful three sons, Taylor, Jacob and Walker, all of Spartanburg, SC.
Billy was born in Spartanburg, SC, in 1957, and was a graduate of Spartanburg High School. He received a B.A. in history from The Citadel and went on to honorably serve our country for four years as a Captain in the US Air Force. He continued serving the Air Force as a member of the USAF Intelligence Service from 1980 to 1993.
He attended the University of South Carolina Law School and, after receiving his J.D. in 1988, joined the Spartanburg law firm of Smith and Haskell, where he was a Managing Partner. He was a long-standing member of the American Bar Association.
Billy was past president of The Citadel Spartanburg Alumni Club and a longtime member of the Spartanburg Downtown Rotary Club and The St. Andrews Society of Upper South Carolina.
Perhaps Billy's greatest impact was as an active member and champion of the Boy Scouts of America. Having received his Eagle Scout award in 1970, he encouraged his sons to become Scouts, and all four were members of BSA Troop 22 at Trinity Methodist Church. He was an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 22 for over ten years. He was proud of all three of his sons for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Billy, Karen, and their sons enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, hiking, and camping.
Billy is also survived by his five siblings: Edith McBee Hardaway (William Eads) of Greenville; Grace Walker Bourke (David) of Spartanburg; Ella McBee Cart (Ben - deceased) of St. Simons Island, GA; Mary Jane Poole (J. Roger); and Roy McBee Smith, Jr. (Bea Walters) of Spartanburg as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In remembrance of Billy, memorials may be made to The Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 East Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.jmdunbar.com
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Memories and Condolences
for William Smith
Sponsored by The J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory - Roebuck.
Elizabeth Kistler
May 6, 2022
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Billy passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and their boys.
Elizabeth Kistler
May 6, 2022
Remembering Christmas Eve celebrations with Billy
Donald Smith
July 22, 2021
Dear Karen and Boys:
I was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of your husband, your father. It is with a smile that I tell you Billy Smith was a class act. Our profession is a very difficult place to operate. However, when you were litigating with Billy, you knew what you were getting. He played by the rules. He was not condesending. He was a good man. I am thankful to have known him. I know I am a better person from having known him. Please accept the heartfelt condolences of my family to yours, as you deal with this great loss.
Remember to focus on all the good times. Know that he left us knowing he gave everything he had to his family, his society and God. Most importantly, he had the opportunity to raise his sons to be men who are of the same predigree as Billy and his father before him.
Sincerely,
Don Smith
John Atwater
July 11, 2021
I was shocked to hear this and I'm so sorry! I grew up with all the Smith kids in Fernwood and have so many great memories of our times together. Billy was younger than me but we had so much fun playing together as kids. We were blessed to grow up in a neighborhood with so many kids. My thoughts and prayers for all his family!
Elizabeth Dunbar Walsh
June 24, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this news. I worked for Smith & Haskell as a courier when I was in nursing school, and Billy and his dad Roy were so very kind to me. It was a privilege to know them. My condolences go out to the Smith family.
Dee Moses Schwab
June 20, 2021
So very sorry to hear this news. Your fine husband was such a help to my parents, as well as to so many others, of course. I appreciate and will remember his many kindnesses. My sincere condolences -
Dee Moses Schwab
Betsy Simmons
June 17, 2021
Sending my condolences to Billy’s family. I had not seen him since our college days but we ran into each other a couple of years ago. He was still the same kind fun person I remembered. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Jack Slemenda
June 14, 2021
Dear Roy and family.....
Katharine and I extend our sincere and deep condolences at this time to you and your entire family. Just treasure those memories.
Irene Howell
June 14, 2021
Dear Karen,
I was so sad to learn of your bereavement and know the world lost a wonderful man in Billy. Peace be with you and the boys.
your old friend Irene Howell
Gordon and Debbie Summey
June 13, 2021
Dear Karen and family, We are so saddened to learn of Billy's passing. We remember fondly the times together at The Citadel meetings. Billy was and will be remembered as one of the "good guys". Always ready to help and support fellow Citadel grads and his many friends. The world will be a sadder place without him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Gordon and Debbie Summey
Billy McBee
June 12, 2021
Billy was my dear cousin, and my world is poorer for his leaving. I know he will be sorely missed by all who knew him, myself especially.
The Staff of J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory
June 11, 2021
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
Sally Wardell
June 12, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ricky Harris
June 11, 2021
Karen and family,
I am immensely saddened to hear this news. Billy was a great friend and colleague. Please accept my sincere condolences and may time assuage your grief with happy memories.
Ricky Harris
William Goad
June 11, 2021
My heartfelt sorrow and prayers for your loss of Billy. I knew of him as one of his Citadel classmates. Please find solace and peace from our savior. May God provide grace and healing during this great loss.
Darwin Simpson
June 11, 2021
Billy was a close and trusted friend. While he handled some of my legal matters, our real relationship related to Rotary, the Scouts and especially St. Luke's Free Medical Clinic. He was very special and considerate of all who knew him. We will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. May God welcome him home. Darwin
Belinda Gillespie
June 11, 2021
Karen, Taylor, Jacob, Walker and the Smith family - my love, thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
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