Hurley "Billy" Lee Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Hurley Lee Smith aka Billy was born on May 11, 1941, to Earl Lee Smith and Eula Mae Hill (both who preceded him in death). He was the only child born to this union and the Apple of his Mother’s Eye. Being that he was the oldest grandchild, Billy was spoiled rotten by his grandmother, Mary Ann Hill whom he affectionately called Big Momma; along with his Uncle Fred (Agatha) Hill and Aunts, CeeBelle (Robert) Bozeman and Osia Crumes (all who preceded him in death). Billy confessed a hope in Christ in 1952 as a young man at Second Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of O.C. King where he sang in the Angelic chorus, along with his brother, Al Smith. Billy attended Dunbar Elementary School in Kinloch, Missouri, and Soldan High School, where he graduated from the first desegregated class, the Class of 1959. After high school he started working at General Motors, until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Paris, France for 3 years due to his only child status. After he was discharged, he went back to work at General Motors where he retired in 1989 after 30 years of service. Billy was blessed with one son, Steven Eugene Raymond in 1962 (Debra Collins, mother). Billy met the love of his life, Minnette Ruby Felder (who preceded him in death on November 7, 2019) in 1962 and they were joined in Holy Matrimony in 1966 at the Clayton Missionary Baptist Church. To this union, they welcomed their precious daughter, Lelia Marie Smith aka Nicki in 1967. Billy was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 which went into remission after surgery in 2008. His cancer metastasized to his bones in 2017, which led to his failing health. Billy made his earthly transition on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Delmar Gardens North. He leaves to cherish his memories: his son, Steven Raymond; daughter Lelia Lee; son-in-law, David Christopher Lee, 3 granddaughters, Kaysi Minnette Lee, Sydney Alexandria Lee and Taylor Horton Raymond; his cousins (siblings at heart), Janice (Tommie) Bolden, Kevin Bozeman, Sidhartha (Edward) Moss, Donna Hobson, and Cassandra Smith; special caregiver and friend, Mary Johnson; sister-in-law, Jean Hunter; brothers, Al Smith and Earl Smith, Jr.; sisters, Gloria Goodin, Diane Holmes, and Belinda Bonds; and a host of relatives and friends.

Hurley "Billy" Lee Smith

May 11, 1941 - January 30, 2020