William L Smith

William Louis Smith, Jr.
Born January 11, 1936 and passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2019 surrounded by his family. Billy leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 62 years, Rose Mary Schexnayder Smith, their four children, Charles “Chuck” (Barbara) Smith, Stephen (Crystal) Smith, Cheryl Smith (Matherne) Mark and David (Melissa) Smith and their seven grandchildren, Shane (Rebecca) Smith, Shawn (Jamie) Smith, Casey Smith, Brett Matherne, Breann Matherne, Tristan Smith and Whitney Smith, as well as four great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Callen and Grant Smith and Brady Matherne. Billy also leaves behind his sister, Elenora “Nora” M. Smith. Billy was preceded in death by his parents the late William Louis Smith, Sr. and Sarah Mary Magdalen Ryan Smith. Billy was born in New Orleans and grew up in Mid-City. He attended St. Aloysius High School in New Orleans where he graduated in 1955. Soon after graduation, he joined the Army National Guard and served six years. He and Rosie married in 1956 and moved to Metairie in 1959. He was a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Church for the last 60 years. Billy was employed with Sears & Roebuck Co. as a parts and service repairman until his retirement in 1992 with 35 years of service. Billy loved serving his community through charity work as a Charter Member of the Moisant Lions Club. He loved getting together with friends, going to dances, traveling and playing cards. After retirement, he took up golf and enjoyed playing with his sons and friends alike. It turned out Billy was just as good at golf as he was at softball during his younger years. Most of all, Billy loved his family and creating happy memories with Rosie and their kids and grandkids as well as his sister, Nora. Whether at home or the family camp, holidays or vacations, the location didn’t matter as long as the whole family was together to share lots of laughter and priceless memories. Billy will be deeply missed and will live on in our hearts forever. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 from 9:00am – 11:00am at Garden of Memories Funeral Home in Metairie. A mass of Christian burial celebrating his life will immediately follow at 11:00am. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery #1 in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Billy’s memory.

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