Mr. Billy Eric Smith

Mr. Billy Eric Smith of Tampa, FL, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025. 11:00 a.m. at Morning Star Church, 5102 W. Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33624 with Pastor Tony Byrd, Eulogist. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Billy Eric Smith was born on December 15, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Willie Smith and Ivy Morrow. Billy was the third of six children, and his place in the family helped shape his character, teaching him the importance of loyalty, responsibility, and family bonds.

Billy attended Lindblom High School and later Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice and a Master’s in Rehabilitation Administration and Services during the mid-1970s. During his college years, he distinguished himself academically and became a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, embracing its values of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

After college, Billy moved to Florida, where he laid down roots and built a life centered on career and community. He first devoted himself to rehabilitation work, helping individuals with disabilities discover their strengths and career paths, and later served as a school board administrator in Polk County. Even in retirement at 62, Billy continued serving others through handyman work and pressure washing, always offering his time and talents with compassion.

On April 17, 1999, Billy married the love of his life, Diane Smith. Together, they raised three children and built a home in Tampa, Florida, filled with love, laughter, and faith. Billy embraced his role as husband and head of household with wisdom and strength, and he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Billy was known for his passion for debate, his boldness, his witty dad jokes, and his gift for encouraging everyone he encountered. He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with warmth and humor. He loved his family and friends deeply and was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bulls, Bears, and White Sox, cheering them on with fervent loyalty.

Billy accepted Christ in the eighth grade and was a devoted member of MorningStar Church, where he served faithfully in ministries such as Recovery, Life Group, Prayer, Ushering, Greeting, and Discipleship. His unwavering faith and love for the Lord guided every aspect of his life.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Willie Smith and Ivy Morrow; and his sisters, Sharon Allen and Jonie Smith.

Billy leaves to cherish his memory: his three children, Ja’Vett (Yohance), Michael (Adrienne), and Roger (Sha-Kiah); five grandchildren, Emmanuel, Yohance Jr., Marielle, Daniel, and Robyn; three siblings, Lavelle Stewart, Robert Smith, and Michael Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

Billy fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. His life was a testimony of God’s love, and his legacy of faith, strength, and joy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he has transitioned from this life, his light continues to shine through all who were blessed to know him. Psalm 48:14 “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Morning Star Church, 5102 W. Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33624.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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