Billy Clay Smith

Billy Clay Smith, devoted husband, father, and grandfather (Pops), of Louisville, Kentucky, went home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2025 at the age of 77.

He was born on January 20, 1948 in Earlington, Kentucky to the late Clay and Addie Smith. He worked in the coal mining industry in western Kentucky and retired in 2002 as the District Supervisor of the Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Lynn Smith, and his half-siblings Robert Adams, Joyce Adams Childers, and Sherman Adams. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Rita Smith, his daughter Karen (Jason) Oakley, his daughter Kim (David) Head, his granddaughter Erica (Connor) Lewis, and his grandsons Joshua Head, Jonathan Oakley, and Caleb Head.

A devoted man of God, he lived a life filled with faith and a deep commitment to God’s Word. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior on December 19, 1971, and devoted himself to the Lord from that day forward. He wanted everyone to make that most important decision as well. He was a member of Southeast Christian Church and cherished his friends in his small group Bible study that met for nearly twenty years.

He loved talking to people, sharing his faith, and often encouraged others with heartfelt prayers for them. His quick wit and humor endeared him to many.

His presence will be greatly missed, but his love and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. While we grieve his passing, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived and take comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the arms of his Savior.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at Newcomer, East Louisville Chapel (235 Juneau Drive). His funeral service will follow the visitation that evening at 5:00 pm with Tod Hill officiating. Graveside service will take place the following morning at Oakwood Cemetery in Earlington, Kentucky starting at 11:00 AM CST / 12:00 PM EST.

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