Smith, Billy J.

Billy J. Smith, 81, of 2115 First Ave. NE, died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha from a short illness. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Christ Episcopal Church. The Rev. Barbara Schlachter will officiate. Inurnment: Christ Episcopal Church columbarium. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include two sons, Randy (Kathy) of Cedar Rapids and Russell (Cathy) of Whitesboro, Texas; and a daughter, Maureen (Craig) Gossard of Cedar Rapids. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Trisha (Chip) DePreter of Chicago, Erin (Jon) Holstrom of Urbandale, Elizabeth (Brad) Parsons of Cedar Rapids, Racquel (Scott) Phieler of Robins and Riley Smith of Hollywood, Calif.; and four great-grandchildren, Nathan Holstrom, Dean DePreter and Kaitie and Olivia Parsons.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; his parents; a brother, Roger; and a sister, Jean Reed.

Billy was born May 20, 1928, in Delaware County, the son of Martin and Hazel (Kieser) Smith. He graduated from Lamont High School and attended Upper Iowa University. He married Doris E. Barger on Aug. 8, 1948, in Strawberry Point. She died in 2008. Billy was owner and sales manager of Skyline Harvestore Systems in Nashua for over 17 years. He was a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church and proudly served in the Navy during World War II.

Billy was a very talented woodworker and sculpturer. He had three woodworking books published and the bulk of his art work is on permanent display at the Carnegie Cultural Center in New Hampton. Billy enjoyed horses, the outdoors and especially the time he spent with his many friends and beloved family.

Memorial donations may be given to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy or Cottage Grove Foundation in Billy's name.

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