Billy R. Smith, age 85, of Clarksville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Billy was born June 11, 1931, in Montgomery County, TN, to the late William Arthur Smith and Mildred Riggins Smith. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Lynda Layne Smith.

Mr. Smith graduated from Woodlawn High School. He worked at Elder Conroy, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, and in civil service at Fort Campbell’s “Birdcage.” Billy then returned to the Sheriff’s Department, serving 14 years as a deputy sheriff and sergeant. He campaigned for the office of sheriff and was elected in 1978, and served five consecutive terms as Sheriff of Montgomery County until his retirement in 1998. During that time, he was president of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association.

Billy was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed farming, raising cattle, spending time with family and friends, watching NASCAR, and eating homemade ice cream.

A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, May 10, at 1:00 PM, at First Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Greg Glover and Dr. Ted Denny officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 9, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, and Wednesday, May 10, from 12:00 PM until the hour of service, at the church. At a private burial, with the family present, Billy will be laid to rest at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Billy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elaine Biter Smith; two daughters, Lesa (David) Goder of Clarksville and Wendy (Joe) Weis of Coral Springs, FL; sister, Myra Shelby of Woodlawn, TN; four grandchildren, Matthew Smith Goder, Megan Layne Goder, Ellen Keith Weis, and Kristin Keith Weis; several nieces and nephews; and three granddogs, Jayden, Geddie, and Harley.

Honorary pallbearers will be current and former members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 213 Main Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; or to the cemetery fund at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 44, Woodlawn, TN 37191.

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488.