William (Billy) H. Smith

William (Billy) H. Smith July 8, 1936 – July 28, 2025

William "Billy" H. Smith of Shipman, Virginia, entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord at his home on Monday, July 28, 2025, following a long illness. He was lovingly cared for by Hospice of the Piedmont, his devoted wife Dean, his daughter Sherry and the family’s dog, Lakota.

Born on July 8, 1936, in Washington, D.C., Billy was the son of the late Clifford Howard Smith and the late Lorrine Bunch Smith Terry. He was raised in Washington, D.C. by his maternal grandparents, Leonard and Myrtle Bunch, alongside a special aunt, Pauline Miller, who held a dear place in his heart.

Billy was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, six step brothers, four stepsisters, three half-sisters, and one half-brother.

A man of many passions, Billy held deep affection for his beloved deceased dogs—Cherokee, Cheyenne, and Ginger—and lived life with boundless enthusiasm. He loved traveling, attending car shows, enjoying music and dancing, telling jokes, and embracing new adventures. Always the extrovert, Billy never met a stranger and was quick to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors. Whether visiting shut-ins or offering rides to church or the store, his kindness knew no bounds. His hobbies included road trips across the country, camping, swimming, playing billiards, bowling, and enjoying card games.

Billy’s career as a skilled brick mason and subcontractor reflected the pride he took in craftsmanship and hard work. He was an active member of Fairmount Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Trustee, Usher, and former Groundsman. He also served in civic life as a member of the Jaycees in Waldorf, Maryland.

Billy leaves behind a legacy of love through his wife, Dean of 67 years and 10 months; daughter, Sherry Fitzgerald (David) of Tyro, VA; and son, Ken Smith (Elaine) of North Fort Myers, FL. He was the proud grandfather of Alexis Smith (Ben) of Cape Coral, FL; Austin Fitzgerald II (Rachael) of Lynchburg, VA; Sascha Smith (Eric) of Waynesville, NC; and Alexandra Wilson (Luke) of Lovingston, VA.

His great-grandson, Connell Thompson of Richmond, VA, brought him much joy. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Herr (Bob) of Alexandria, VA; half-sister, Alice Perry of Faber, VA; half-brothers Steve Terry of Amherst, VA, and Roy Terry (Debbie) of Easley, SC; half-sister Brenda Gooden of Schuyler, VA; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, and spiritual leaders from Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, as well as Dr. Stephen Schmitz and his team at Afton Family Medicine in Afton, VA.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Fairmount Baptist Church in Shipman, VA, followed by a fellowship meal at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Billy’s memory to:

· Fairmount Baptist Church P.O. Box 115, Shipman, VA 22971

· Hospice of the Piedmont 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).