Dr. William A. "Billy" Smith
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July 27,1938-July 4, 2025
Dr. William A. "Billy" Smith, lovingly known as Bro. Billy to many, a faithful servant of the Lord and devoted Southern Baptist minister, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 86 on July 4, 2025. Billy was born on July 27, 1938, in New Albany, Mississippi to O.R. and Etoile (Hall) Smith. Bro. Billy was born again in August of 1949 at Lowery Memorial Baptist Church in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of ministry, mission, and unwavering devotion to the Gospel.
Bro. Billy answered the call to ministry early in life, receiving his license to minister on July 4, 1954, and being ordained to ministry on December 29, 1957. His ministry spanned nearly seven decades and took him across the Deep South, where he shepherded congregations with compassion, conviction, and a heart for revival.
He pastored churches in Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee from 1956 to 1994. In 1994, Bro. Billy transitioned into full-time evangelism, dedicating the remainder of his life to proclaiming the Gospel across the country and encouraging the Church through revivals.
Dr. Smith was a graduate of Louisville High School (1956), Mississippi College (B.A., 1960), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., 1963). He earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1979. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention for five years.
Bro. Billy was a man wholly surrendered to the will of God-a pastor to pastors, a friend to the lost, and a loving patriarch to his family. His preaching was marked by clarity, urgency, and the unshakable belief in the power of the cross. He leaves behind a legacy of transformed lives, strengthened churches, and the enduring impact of a life lived for the glory of God.
He is survived by his wife Harriette Herring Smith, to whom he was married almost 68 years. He is also survived by 2 children, 5 grandchildren, as well as great grandchildren.
His Master said unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!" - Matthew 25:21 NIV
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
