Billy Don Smith, 82, of Whitesboro, Texas went to his eternal home on October 11, 2025 in his home surrounded by family.
He was born on May 25, 1943 in Sherman, Texas to Erin and Gus Smith. His mom, Erin, died when he was an infant and he was raised by J.N. and Della Crow. He grew up on the Crow farm in Whitesboro, and they lovingly raised him like one of their own. Billy Don graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1961. He met a pretty red-headed girl from Ethel, Texas named Zoretta McWhorter at the Frosty Cream ice cream shop in Whitesboro, and they eventually married on November 23,1967. Together they raised two daughters.
Billy Don started driving a tractor at an early age on the family farm. He was involved in the Whitesboro FFA program under the direction of Gene Foster and earned the distinguished Lone Star Farmer Award and went on to earn the American Farmer Degree. He was a devoted farmer and cattleman. Billy Don was known for his strong work ethic, honesty, and patience. His passion was working his land and growing crops. He earned the Peanut Farmer Award several years at the Whitesboro Peanut Festival for the highest yield of peanuts grown in this area. He continued his dedication to the farm even through his illness. He was a farmer to the core, and his favorite place was sitting in his tractor and plowing his fields. After a bad year of farming, he secured a job at Peterbilt in Denton, Texas. He retired from there after twenty-five years of service. He loved his Lord and was a member of the Collinsville Church of Christ. Billy Don was a devoted family man and was especially proud of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Zoretta Smith, daughter, Renee’ Birge and husband, Eric of Collinsville; daughter, Camille Thompson and husband, Jeff of Whitesboro; grandchildren, Bailey Smith and husband, Hayden, Nathan and Natalie Birge, Zack and Zoey Ward, Bryce, Brant and Hayes Thompson; great-grandson, Cade Smith; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Juvean Snell; stepsister, Joyce Law and husband, Bill, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Billy Don was preceded in death by his parents, Erin and Gus Smith, J.N. and Della Crow, sisters, Mamie Fields, Willadean Leeper and Marcene Armstrong, brother, James Crow, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Billy Bob and Ulna McWhorter.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Jones, Jared Light, Paul Hodgekinson, James Chisum, Greg Golden, Jim Moore, Tommy Gene Foster, and Cooper Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Welch, Kerry Jones, Bill Bethel, Bob Reed, Greg Miles, Austin Miles, James Hightower, Chico Light, and Allen Harshbarger.
A special thank-you to the staff at Birdie Hospice including Sunny Brehm, Liz Sellars, Dr. John Sissney and Chaplain Mike Lawson. Billy Don especially enjoyed the visits from friends and loved ones that visited him throughout his illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas at 1651 North Collins Blvd. Suite 170, Richardson, Texas 75080.
Funeral services honoring Billy Don will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Collinsville Church of Christ, officiated by Ricky Patterson. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro. No formal visitation is scheduled.
So sorry for your families loss
Prayers through this difficult time
So sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, farmer, and fried. ❤️ Love you all. ❤️
I am so very sorry for the passing of this dear man.He will be sorely missed. Praying for you Zoretta and family.
With heartfelt sympathy to you and your sweet family. He was a very kind man and hard worker. Sending prayers.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry for the loss of your husband Zoretta. Prayers for you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family ❤️
So sorry to hear this you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
So sorry for the loss of this man who was so happy farming. He enjoyed it so and did it so well. Dear family I am praying for you as you adjust to life without Bill. May happy memories fill.your heart and mind as you share your grief together 💗
I am sorry for your loss. I have known Bill for 35 years. I worked on his 1155 Massey years and and then I moved down the street to the john deere house. He was always kind and friendly to deal with.
So sorry for your loss, prayers for you all.
My condolences, so sorry for your loss.
So many times when I was young, before there was a house across the street, I would look from our front yard to see Billy Don on his tractor, plowing the field. My dad always commented on what a hard worker he was. What a fine man he became — an example to us all! My prayers are with you all in your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve know Billy Don all my life. He and I got to visit when we were both going to physical therapy a few years back. He told me of his diagnosis at that time. We were privileged to visit, reminisce and catch up on your family, my family and he asked about both my sister and brother who were closer to his age than I am. Another note, my mom owned the Frosty Cream at the time Billy Don and Zoretta met. I was a car hop and had the pleasure of waiting on them on many occasions. My mother told me more times than one that she hoped that when I was old enough to date I would meet a gentleman like Billy Don and conduct myself as Zoretta. He will be missed by many. Prayers for Zoretta and family.
Camille, Zoretta, and family:
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad, husband, and grandpa. I know he was your world and a huge hole has been left. Sending you love, hugs, and prayers today and all the days to come. May you see him watching over you in life surrounding you each day.
Zoretta, Renee & Camille we are so sorry about Bill. I considered him as a true friend. We had some really good times together even if it was just visiting. We worked together in the peanut patch, wheat, corn and milo fields many times and always enjoyed it and I cherish every minute.
May God comfort you and us all.
Zoretta & girls so sorry for your loss sending prayers and love .
So sorry for your loss, Zoretta. I know that men of his caliber are few and hard to find. You two were blessed to have had each other for 60+ years.
Charlie and Sharon Welch
Sincere condolences from the Peterbilt Maintenance team. Billy Don was a trusted friend and co-worker. Our prayers are with his friends and family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
He was a great man and I know he touched a lot of lives.
My prayers are offered you your family at your loss. May God’s love guide you through this time of sorrow.
Zoretta we are so sorry to here of your husbands passing thoughts and prayers for you and your family
So sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you and your family!
I am so sorry to hear of Billy Don’s passing. I enjoyed seeing him and chatting when he’d come to City Hall to pay the utility bill. Prayers of comfort and peace to his family that will miss him deeply.
I’m sure Billy Don and my brother Joe are sitting up there right now having a good ole conversation about farming and calves and prices, etc. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and a good friend to Joe , as well as Marc and Jason. God bless.