Dr Billy Shelton Smith Colonel USAF

1931 - 2021

Dr Billy Shelton Smith, Colonel USAF
Billy Shelton Smith, 89, of Tuscaloosa was born November 19, 1931 and passed away January 17, 2021 at home. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 20 at noon at First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa.
Bill was born in Pisgah, Al, the 10th of 11 children of John and Alma Shelton Smith. He graduated from Pisgah High School and earned a BS in Chemistry from the University of Alabama. He served more than 22 years in the US Air Force, mostly in the Environmental Health Laboratories at McClellan AFB, CA, Wiesbaden AB, Germany, and Norton AFB, CA. He received a Masters degree in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Cincinnati and a PhD in Environmental Sciences from the University of Oklahoma. After retirement from the AF, he served as a Consultant to the American Industrial Hygiene Association in the Lab Accreditation Program. Retiring a second time, he enjoyed attending sporting events at the University of Alabama as well as golfing, hunting, and fishing.
He was an active member of First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa, having served on the Administrative Board, Choir Member, and President of the Lee Sunday School Class.
Family was always of utmost importance, and he was elated at all the successes of his sons, their families, and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Alma Smith, brothers Aubrey, Virgil E., Richard C., and John P. Smith; sisters Jewel Wheeler, Louise Bearden, Hattie Gant, Helen Swearengin, Desse Cate, Nell Johnson, and daughter-in-law Judy Ellis Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret Burdick Smith, two sons Dr Greg Smith (Becky) and Col (ret) Tim Smith; four grandchildren Ben (Michele), Luke (Carly), Matt (Molly) and Rio (Brad) Earnest; two great grandchildren Josephine Marcella Alaimo and Wyatt Smith Earnest; a number of nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FUMCT, Hospice of West Alabama, or your favorite charity.