CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – It is with heavy hearts that the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office mourns the passing of Retired Sheriff Billy R. Smith. Smith passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Smith started his career at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff in 1958. 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.

Under his leadership Smith introduced the first computers to the Sheriff’s Office and a cross-indexed records management system, which marked the creation of County Records. The creation of County Records provided a central repository for reports, statements, and information retrieval. It also provided a platform to send and receive information to the National Crime Information Center.

He championed for improved jail conditions, food, and medical services for inmates. He oversaw the construction of a new jail facility that opened in 1987. Under his tenure food and medical services were contracted out to a third party to ensure consistency and quality.

Smith implemented the school resource officer program in all four high schools at the time in 1994. The program has now grown to 32 school resource officers protecting 39 schools.

Smith was instrumental in the formation of the 19th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Today the DTF is consistently recognized on a national level for their excellence in drug interdiction.

Smith served as president of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association. Terry Ashe, former Wilson County Sheriff for thirty years and current executive director spoke highly of Smith. “He cared about the community and loved the people in it. He used that talent and worked it on the state level,” said Ashe.

Smith founded the Tennessee Sheriff’s Qualification Bill. Smith worked on the bill for 15 years till it was signed into legislation on June 22, 2011. The legislation requires any candidate who runs for the Office of Sheriff to have experience in law enforcement and be certified by the Tennessee Peace Officers and Standards Commission.

Smith also helped write Tennessee’s Hand Gun Carry Permit Bill which took effect in October of 1996. Prior to 1996, handgun carry permits were issued by local sheriff’s offices. They are now issued by the Department of Safety.

Smith served as a mentor to current Sheriff John Fuson. “He imparted guidance, wisdom, and insight and it is an honor to serve as Sheriff and continue the legacy he left behind,” said Fuson. “A legacy that was built on continually improving the office and maintaining high professional standards.”

“Smith selflessly served and protected the citizens of our county for many years. He was well loved and respected, not because he held the title of Sheriff, but because of the man he was behind the badge. A big man with an even bigger heart. With the passing of Sheriff Billy R. Smith, Montgomery County lost a great friend and public servant,” said Fuson.

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.

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. Private burial to follow.

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.