Billy Gene Smith Sr

Billy Gene Smith, Sr., was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather during his 73 years of life. He went to be with the Lord on October 7, 2021, surrounded by his family in Tulsa. Billy’s battle with heart problems in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Bill came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. Bill was born in Salinas, California, on November 10, 1947, to the late RG Smith and Virginia (Brewer) Smith. At the age of 18, he met Milissia Francis and married in 1966. They started their family in Tulsa and moved to Okmulgee in 1974, where they raised four children. Bill worked in maintenance at Wal-Mart for over 15 years. In his earlier years, he would pass the time by playing golf. In most recent years, he enjoyed staying close to home with his loving wife and family. He attended Apostolic Life Church and was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and enjoyed watching wrestling and collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia. Bill had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and loved to make others laugh, especially his grandchildren. He never saw a problem that he couldn’t fix, if to others, it wasn’t the conventional way of doing things. Above all else, he was a believer and never lost his faith even at the end. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, son Billy Smith, Jr., son-in-law Buddy Hurst, Jr.; grandchildren Wyatt and Truman Smith; brothers Steve Smith, Ricky “Hobo” Smith, Paul Ray Smith; and grandparents Luther and Annie Brewer. His memories, humor, and love will be fondly remembered by his wife Milissia Smith, children Tammy Chastain and fiancé Bruce Marrs, Judy Hurst, and significant other Buck Wadley, Rachel Smith, Jon Chastain; daughter-in-law Melanie Green; grandchildren Buddy Hurst III and wife Katie, Ashley Carnes and husband Kevin, John Ross Potter and Lisa O'Connor, Jonathin Chastain and wife Ashley, Mark Chastain and wife Jessica, Mercedes Hurst, Ryan Potter and Madison Cooper, Billy Jack Chastain and Megan Gordon, Clint Chastain, Lucas Chastain, Gabriel Williams, Jr., and Dienara Smith; great-grandchildren Ryot, Heavenly, Emery, Tyson, Tucker, Gracie, Maybre, Keaton, Tatum, Nova, Clever, Kadance, Anabella, Jonathan, River, Dewayne, and Eli; sisters Joann Schultz and husband Terry, Glenna Miza and husband Wally; brothers-in-law Jack Francis and wife Mary, John Mattingly, and wife Robin; sisters-in-law Joann Walker and husband Robert, Julie Johnson, Carolyn Speaks, Marilyn Ramer, and Rebecca Koenig and husband Roger. A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 14, 202, at the Apostolic Life Church in Okmulgee with Pastor Steve Clark officiating with interment following at the Okmulgee Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home Wednesday from 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Pallbearers will be Buddy, John Ross, Jonathin, Mark, Billy Jack, Clint, Lucas, Ryan, and Kevin. Honorary pallbearers will be Wally, Bruce, Buck, Terry, John, Jack, Robert, and Roger.

Billy Gene Smith Sr

November 10, 1947 - October 7, 2021