Edward Charles Smith

Billy Boy began his life November 12, 1950, born Edward Charles Smith to the late Charlie Jr. and Merlissie Smith (Pegues) in Oxford, MS, moving to Racine, WI, in the 1950's. Billy grew up with eight other siblings, the 2nd oldest and first son, he was naturally the Alpha male. He graduated from Washington Park High School, going on to becoming a very skilled machinist and mechanic.

He began dating Barbara JoAnn, known to most as JoAnn and from there it became "Billy Boy and JoAnn." Billy was a father of three, he devoted his life to his wife of 41 years, his children, grandchildren and his family. A true provider and protector, he spent his life guiding and protecting those he loved most. Billy worked for many years as a CNC machinist until officially retiring from DuMore's Corporation in 2005. Billy relocated to Louisville, KY, in 2005 and married the love of his life and began living out his retirement years, his "Golden" years.

He enjoyed hunting and working on cars where he could always be found in his garage; he loved being a mechanic. Billy Boy fished and visited the race car tracks in his pastime as well. He loved being a family man most and he was a proud grandfather. Billy lived a full and very well-loved life up until his departure on April 23, 2023; he was surrounded by what was most important to him, his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Jr. and Merlissie Smith; brother, Daryl "Pudgy" Smith; aunts, Ernestine Price, Bernice Flora, Patricia Pegues and Dorothy Donaldson; uncles, John Flora, Joe Louis Smith, and James Jennings; niece and nephews, Lucretia, Jeffrey, Byron, Deshawn and Terrence; cousins, Dorothy, Eddie and Roger Mcglorn. Billy is also preceded in death by special friend, Larry Green.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories with his wife, JoAnn Fleming-Smith of Louisville, KY; children, Ryan and Tyranni of Louisville, KY and Nicholas (Joy) of McDonough, GA; grandchildren, Emery and Deoni of Louisville, KY, Aubrey and Symphany of McDonough, GA, Kytravien of Oklahoma and Mackenzie of Green Bay, WI; siblings, Lula and Sammie of Louisville, KY, Betty, Earl, Joyce, Jeffrey and Norman, of San Diego, CA; aunts, Bobbie Goolsby of Oxford, MS and Mamie Jennings of Racine, WI; uncles, Thomas (Velma) Pegues, Ray Donaldson of Racine, WI, Willie Frank Goolsby of Oxford, MS and Johnny Pegues of San Diego, CA; thirteen nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial gathering will be Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Greater St. Lukes Baptist Church, 1326 State Street, Racine, WI 53404.

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