Saturday, February 27, 2010

My Earthly Father has Met Our Heavenly Father...



Billy Ray Smith d. February 24, 2010

Billy Ray Smith, 79, Parkville, MO passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Garden Valley Manor in the Northland. He was born October 2, 1930 in Blackwell, OK to Paul and Clara May Smith. They preceded him in death. He was educated in Blackwell.

He married the former Peggy J. Lannom on February 27, 1981. They would have celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary on Saturday. Billy was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. He was employed in the engineering department for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, KS. He was a Shriner and longtime member of the VFW and American Legion. He spent the last two years of his life being cared for by the staff members of Garden Valley Manor. Prior to that, he enjoyed traveling, fishing and living at the lake.

In addition to his wife, Peggy, of the home, he is survived by his children and step-children, Paul Smith, Lincoln, NE, Sandy Frahm, Ashland, NE, Dwayne Smith, Holton, KS, Sherrie Mitchell, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Toni McNabb, Kansas City, MO, Karen Householter, Pratt, KS and Lisa Bergrud, Kansas City, MO; 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Mr. Smith has been cremated under the direction of the Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland in Parkville. A private service will be held at the Garden Valley Manor. In memory of Billy, memorial contributions are suggested to Garden Valley Manor Activities Fund or NorthCare Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home.



I met my dad when I was 20 years old. Brian was just a baby. He had a grandfather somewhere that he would never know if I didn't find him. I had always wanted to meet him as well, so we took a car trip to Blackwell, OK, and knocked on the door of my grandmother's house. (His mother). She welcomed us in and after a nice visit, she got on the phone and called Wichita, KS. She said, " someone here wants to talk to you". He sounded just like my brother, Paul! We drove up the next day and met Dad. We have gotten together regularly ever since.

Dad and Peg would have celebrated their 29th Wedding anniversary tomorrow. I continue to pray that these days are surrounded by the loving arms of our savior as she moves through the days and weeks ahead without Dad to go visit. She was a great wife and took such good care of him. They enjoyed a lot of years together.

4 comments:

Andy said...

We will miss him and are thankful for the time we had with him.

cheryl said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Daddy, Sandy. I know that you blessed his heart and he saw Jesus everytime you stepped into his room, or called him on the phone. Our God is so much bigger than we can ever think or imagine and I know at times like these, we get to experience that love in a very real way. Thinking about you and Peggy...and praying. Love you sweet sister.

Sandy B said...

A really nice tribute to your dad, Sandy. I have been praying for you.

Anna said...

Oh, I like this picture of him...and your words about his life. We'll continue to pray all the family!