of Helena, AR
August 11, 1944 - June 16, 2023
Billy G. Smith, age 78, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023 at his home in Helena, Arkansas. He was born on Tuesday, August 11, 1944 to the late Bill and Margeret Smith.
Mr. Smith was an accomplished pianist, vocalist and actor as well as a huge fan of fine arts as a whole and supported his beloved wife, Pauline Smith, with every dance recital she produced. He touched, educated and mentored many lives as a High School Biology teacher at Central High School. He was a collector of cut glass, loved antiques and estate sales, was an avid reader and researcher and loved to discover new things around him. He had a terrific eye for color, design, furniture and decorating. He was a fabulous cook, had an incredible green thumb and could identify almost any plant known to man.
Mr. Smith loved his friends, his colleagues, his students, his home and his family beyond measure. He was a wonderful conversationalist, he was very meticulous about detail and never left anything out. He was a stickler for good manners, good grammar and timeliness. He had the patience of a saint and was kind to any and everyone.
Mr. Billy is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Anderson of Fredericksburg, Texas; one grandchild, Alexis McNeil (Andy) of Brooklyn, New York and good friend, Ernie Brawner.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Pauline and his parents.
No services are planned at this time.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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38 Condolence(s)
James K Hendren
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Billy and I were very good friends in Hot Springs, AR as youngsters. We moved and Billy and I lost touch with each other. I often wanted to get in touch but did not know how. He was a great friend, and he will be missed.
Diane Gatling
Friday, August 18, 2023
Billy lived three houses down from me on our lazy street in Hot Springs, Arkansas. There were lots of kids on that street, and we had all kinds of outdoor fun back then, but Billy and I played lots of board games together. He was quite the competitor. Never loud, he was a good kid and part of the many fond memories I have from our neighborhood.
Barbara Galentin
Friday, August 18, 2023
When I was in grade school back in the mid-fifties, lived across the street from Billy and his parents. I was an only child and Billy was like my older brother. We lost touch when he married Pauline and moved to Helena and I moved east to South Carolina.
So sorry to hear of his passing, but it warms my heart to read all the tributes. It sounds like he had a most wonderful life. I remember that Billy would always get me a box of chocolate covered cherries for Christmas. And he made furniture for my dolls. RIP my brother. Godspeed.
Arnell Willis, Sr.
Monday, July 31, 2023
Mr. Billy G. Smith was a great human being and an outstanding Biology teacher! I took Biology from him in the 10th grade and he motivated me to do my best work. This work ethnic served me well in high school, college, grad school, in Navy and throughout my career! I owe him a deep debt of gratitude.
Cathy Bogle Turner
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Cheryl,
I am so sorry for your loss. I certainly treasure the time at the dance studio with he and Mrs. Pauline. He was a wonderful husband, father and teacher. I always enjoyed his performances at the recitals.
Sincerely,
Cathy
Monika Holmes
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Both Pauline and Billy Gene were so close to me, no matter the years that have past. Cheryl, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Johnnie Fridell
Friday, June 23, 2023
The community has lost a great man. Billy was always my go-to person when I had plant questions (a love we shared) and was always ready to share a plant. I have some of his plants in my yard at the time. He was so talented in so many areas and he was always gracious about sharing those talents. Since I had the opportunity to be a co-worker at Central for many years, I am very aware of the impact he had upon his students. He was an excellent teacher. My condolences to his family,
Dagmar Bergan
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Billy was a great friend. So much fun and loved that he was a musician. He gave me a whole bunch of really cool music and a whole bunch of fun times. I will miss Billy.
Mary Good Forsythe
Thursday, June 22, 2023
What a wonderful tribute to Billie. He was such a favorite when he taught me. Reading this made me wish I could have spent more time with him in my adult years. He was such an interesting, knowledgeable and talented man! A true Renaissance Man!
Doris Franklin
Thursday, June 22, 2023
My condolences to family and friends. Mr Smith was an unforgettable teacher. He always had laughter in his classroom and projects with the theater.
Sissy & Kevin Smith
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
“Mr Smith†was our teacher at Central. He was an excellent biology teacher, and was so patient & kind. We would often see him after we moved back to Helena 21 years ago. He was always so nice & pleasant. I remember taking dance classes from Ms Pauline. Mr Smith would have to walk through the dance studio from time to time, and he was always so quiet - trying to go unnoticed. He was also a fixture in all of the Helena Little Theatre productions throughout the years. His life made a huge positive impact upon the lives of so many, as well as upon our community. He will be missed! 😢
Linda Bennett
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Just a wonderful person, like no other. He helped me decorate the library, made sure I hung every picture in the correct spot. He taught me so much. I will miss his smile, laugh and knowledge. I was always proud to be his friend. RIP
Wandra Williams
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Mr. Billy was such an amazing man. His dedication to the dance program will be greatly missed. I was fortunate to have known and worked with such a tender and committed person. He is now standing beside an even more amazing wife, Ms. Pauline. We love you!!!
George Gates
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
So sorry for the loss. I always enjoyed his classes at school. My prayers are with you.
Joannie (Gervasini) Hubbard
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Mr. Smith was a wonderful teacher and always went above and beyond to teach and show us the wonders of the world. I think of him any time I try to figure out which frogs I’m hearing ;) Cheryl-my prayers are with you and your family.
Maureen Jones
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Billy Smith, say his name and everyone has a tale to tell, a good friend that will tell you the truth, like it or not, made the best chocolate cake from scratch, knew everything there was to know about cut glass. Could sew, iron and get stains out of linen. Could find you anything you needed antique wise in his stash, and he could decorate for Christmas like no other, his Christmas trees were a legend. Love you Billy Smith, and will miss you forever.
David Dilley
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Thank you Billy for all the adventures we shared. I will most certainly miss you. I learned so much from you, that was the biggest blessing I received from you.
Brenda Murray
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
I am so sorry to learn of Billy's passing. I was lucky enough to have had him as a Biology teacher and see him often through my daughter's years in Pauline's dance classes. He will truly be missed.
Francine Fisher
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Mr. Smith was an incredible teacher. I learned so much from him. He exhibited such knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject matter that I still remember very specific lessons he gave - the Punnett Square is forever engraved in memory because of how well he taught it. He was a truly valuable asset to CHS and an immeasurable influence on my education. I will always remember him fondly and with admiration.
Barbara Riddell
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Enjoyed working with Billy at Cotton & Kudzu. He was smart and helpful. Learned many things from him about Helena and critiquing my booth. God bless & comfort his family. 💕âœï¸
Pamela Sharp
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
My condolences to the family.
Vincent Pittman
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
I thought he was so cool when he came to school driving that 67 SS396 Chevelle! Condolences to his family and friends.
Rusty Porter
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Sorry for your loss which the community shares. At least he no longer suffers. There will be many tales shared to continue his presence. Pauline and Billy made one great couple.
Prayers for peace and comfort!
Rusty Porter
Janie Scaife
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
So sorry for your loss.
Bart Salamack
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Although I didn’t have Billy Gene as a teacher, I remember him from helping out with the high school plays and he was a chaperone when we went to State Speech Festival in Little Rick. He was pretty cool on that trip considering the shenanigans of a few of us that weekend. A good man who don’t be forgotten. My condolences to his family. ☮ï¸â¤ï¸
Maxine Miller
Monday, June 19, 2023
He will be missed. I learned more from him in Science at Central High School than I learned all the years after in college.
He had impeccable taste in all things and the last time I saw him, he came to visit and shared how to identify a flower my Mom had planted.
He was one of my favorite teachers.
We are gonna miss you.
Miki Darling
Monday, June 19, 2023
Always enjoyed his class! He has touched so many people. Sending prayers to o the family.
Marla Mayer
Monday, June 19, 2023
Cheryl,
Where to begin? We grew up together and danced together - your mom was one of the most important people in my life from age 4 when I walked across the stage and blew a kiss until we left Helena in 1983 and beyond. I'm glad we've stayed in touch and always loved seeing your dad when i came to Helena to visit. He will be missed by me and so many more!! Know how important you all are to all of us! xox - Marla and the Mayer family
Billy Dent
Monday, June 19, 2023
Cheryl i am sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Rose Seaton
Monday, June 19, 2023
Billy was a great teacher. He taught several members of my family. He was also a wonderful friend and he will be missed by so many friends. R.I.P. Billy.
Lynette (Burt) Murphy
Monday, June 19, 2023
Cheryl,
I am so sorry to see the loss of Mr. Billy. I enjoyed him in high school and visiting with him whenever I ran into him when I returned to Helena for visits. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Beth Herlein Dyer
Monday, June 19, 2023
Surly be missed
Karen Helton Herrington
Monday, June 19, 2023
Cheryl, we are sorry for your loss. I used to live on Arkansas Street, so we were neighbors. Mr. Billy taught me and my husband in high school. Such an intelligent and interesting man. He always had a lovely yard and conversation to share. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless. Karen Helton Herrington
Suzie Fuller
Monday, June 19, 2023
Billy was a treasure and will truly be missed in our community. He was a wealth of information on many topics and smart as a whip. I loved to learn things from him. He encouraged me to start my estate sale business and always told me what I was doing right (and wrong)! Praying for peace and comfort for Cheryl and family
Joseph Young
Monday, June 19, 2023
My condolence go out to the family and he was a great teacher
Joseph Young
Monday, June 19, 2023
My condolence go out to the family and he was a great teacher
Terri Seeman Hollowell
Monday, June 19, 2023
I was lucky enough to have Mr Smith for biology as well as helping with speech class and plays. He had the patience of a saint. Passed me with a D and told me science wasn’t for me lol. So enjoyed going by to see him when I was home at the consignment/ antique shops on Cherry street and even got him to
come to a reunion or two.
Cheryl and family my prayers are with you all. I know he is in a much better place but never makes saying goodbye any easier. Hold tight to the memories and know he was loved by so many and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. RIP Mr Billy until we meet again
Mary Frances Woodyard
Monday, June 19, 2023
He was the my best science teacher at Central High School. I graduated in 1968. RIP!