Billy Dean Smith

Billy Dean Smith, 86, of Maumelle, formerly of Searcy, passed away on December 6, 2024, at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock. He was born on October 7, 1938, in Searcy, to the late William and Bernadine (Sherrod) Smith. As a young boy, Billy attended Gum Springs Church in Searcy for worship as well as his early education. He attended his first four years of grade school at the church house. Billy continued to attend the Gum Springs Church for several years, until becoming a member at First Baptist Church. He graduated from Searcy High in 1956, and several years later joined the Army Reserve, serving from 1961 – 1967. Later in life, Billy was employed with Entergy, where he spent 41 years working as a service man. After he and his wife, Kay, moved to Maumelle in 2014, he became a devoted member of the Church of Maumelle. Billy had a servant’s heart and often volunteered at the Hope Ministry Alliance food pantry. Above all, Billy cherished his family and the time he was able to spend with them. He was a loving husband and father, and a supportive Granddaddy to his grandchildren. He was very involved in his grandchildren’s lives, attending hours upon hours of sporting events. Billy was a friend to everyone and never met a stranger. His presence will be truly missed by those that loved and knew him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Kay Smith of Maumelle; two daughters, Denise Martin (Lance) of Sherwood, and Stacy Bright (Daris) of Maumelle; grandsons, Eric Martin of Maumelle, and Nathan Bright of Farmington; great granddaughter, Mia Martin of Maumelle; and cousin, Judy Smith of Maumelle. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Bernadine Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Gum Springs Church, at 2240 Gum Springs Road, Searcy, Arkansas 72143. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, beginning at 12:30pm, at Gum Springs Church in Searcy, with a memorial service following, beginning at 1:00pm. A celebration of life will take place the following day, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the family home in Maumelle. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Billy Dean Smith

October 7, 1938 - December 6, 2024