October 28, 2020, 87, Goldsboro
William Green Smith, 87, was called home on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 to the loving arms of Jesus Christ his Lord. Billy walked through the gates of Heaven with a whistle on his lips and a jingle in his pocket.
Billy was born in Wayne County on May 3, 1933 to the late Mark and Vicy Smith and was raised by his father and step-mother, Pansy Smith. He was married for 57 years to the late Bettie Peacock Smith. Billy was a valued employee of Pate-Dawson in Goldsboro where he worked as a food merchandiser for 34 years. With his love for people and following his retirement, Billy began working with the staff at Seymour Funeral Home and Rouse Funeral Home. It was this year that Billy retired from the funeral home after 27 years of service with the company.
Billy proudly serving his country in the United States Army for two years and retired from the North Carolina National Guard after 29 years of service. He was recognized with numerous decorations while serving his country.
Billy enjoyed life and spending time with his family and friends. Those who met Billy could always see a smile on his face and could count on his kindness and friendship. He loved making people laugh and knew how to embrace people of all backgrounds and cultures. For many years, Billy enjoyed the opportunity to work with the children of the Boys and Girls Club in Goldsboro.
Billy was a man known for his unconditional love for people shown by the abundance of hugs and kisses he gave. Anyone who met him was warmed by his love and affection. He was a gracious, kind, and generous man who cared about the souls of everyone. He also had a rich love for the Lord. His relationship with the Lord was genuine and vibrant. Billy was a devoted member of Goldsboro Worship Center where he was instrumental in every ministry of the church. He especially enjoyed his opportunity to travel with the mission work of the church in Tanzania and Brazil.
Although Billy leaves a vacant place in our hearts, we know he truly earned his special place in heaven. Billy will always be remembered as a loyal man of faith. The best of Billy will live on in each of us.
A funeral service to celebrate Billy’s life and give witness to his faith in Jesus Christ will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Goldsboro Worship Center. The family will greet friends immediately following the service. Attendees are asked to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2020 at Wayne Memorial Park with military honors.
Billy is survived by his sons, Mark Smith and wife, Pam of Goldsboro and Jeff Smith and wife, Shari of Pikeville; his foster daughter, Carolyn Wayne Perry and husband, Jerry of Wendell; his grandchildren, Crystal Hepburn and husband, Chris of Chester, VA, Travis Smith and wife, Jessica of Pikeville, Stephanie Sauls and husband Michael of Goldsboro, and Chris Smith and girlfriend, Christie Heath of Goldsboro; his step-grandchildren, Cory Bolduc and wife, Krystal of Rockford, IL and Jason Bolduc and wife, Ashley of Goldsboro; and 10 great-grandchildren, Caleb and Jaden Hepburn, Ethan and Bryton Bolduc, Allison Bolduc, Camden and Kelsey Smith, and Brooklyn, Bryleigh and Lainey Sauls.
He is also survived by his sister, Jean St. Clair of Goldsboro; brother, Shelton Smith and wife Charlotte of Goldsboro; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Sutton, Emily Lou Peacock and Sandra Peacock; and many nieces and nephews he loved very much. After the death of his wife, Billy enjoyed the companionship of Peggy Sasser who resides in LaGrange.
In addition to his wife and parents, Billy was preceded in death by his sisters, Madeline Gurganus, Markie Tomlinson and Jewel Jackson; and brothers, Frank Smith, Milton “Buck” Smith and Marcellus “Sill” Smith.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Goldsboro Worship Center, 900 W. New Hope Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
