Billy Jack Smith

© Stilwell (OK) Democrat Journal
September 2011
Submitted by: Martha Real

Billy Jack Smith was born in Cincinnati, Arkansas, on December 25, 1929, to Melvin and Edna (Jackson) Smith. He attended school at Old Union until the family moved to Westville, Oklahoma, when he was nine years old. On moving day, they milked the cows in the morning in Arkansas, and Billy drove the cattle, on horseback to the family farm, south of Westville for the evening milking.

He graduated from Westville High School. He married the love of his life, Barbara Vernice Bowles, on May 9, 1947, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. To this union, son Jackie Smith and daughter Barbara Smith were born.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Shirley (Smith) Brakefield, Faynell (Smith) Hill, and infant sister.

He began working as a lineman for Ozarks Electric on February 2, 1948, and retired from Ozarks on April 24, 1992, as manager of the Westville office. He volunteered as time keeper at the Old Settlers Rodeo and contact for the carnival at the town picnic. He was well known as a community leader, 32nd Degree Mason, volunteer fire chief for many years, president of community club and was instrumental in getting a medical center and doctor for Westville. He helped establish the first school Quarterback Club and was the first president, serving many years in that capacity. He was well known for his response of being “tolerable”, working for Ozarks Electric for 44 years, 2 months and 22 days before retiring. He was on the Peoples Bank Board of Directors and looked forward to his daily stops in the bank when he was still driving.

He attended Westville First United Methodist Church. He was known for his humor and smile. His hobbies included bird hunting, cattle ranching and keeping meticulous records.

He leaves behind his wife, Vernice Smith, of the home; son, Jackie Smith and wife, Pam, of Baron; daughter, Barbara Smith, of Westville; mother-in-law, Marie Bowles, of Siloam Springs, AR; grandchildren, Marty Hern and wife, Christy, Nathan Smith and wife, Jenifer, all of Westville, and Kelly Hern Kirby and husband, Tim Kirby, of Springdale, AR; great grandchildren, Kelsi Kirby, Hunter Hern, Piper Smith, Emery Smith and Braxton Kirby; nephew, Rod Hill, of San Jose, CA and a host of friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at Hart Memorial Chapel with Bro. Darell Maddox officiating. Interment will follow at Westville City Cemetery under the direction of Hart Funeral Home of Westville.