William Briley “Billy” Smith III passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at his home. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II, was a founding member of the Wyse Fork Volunteer Fire Department, and was a lifelong farmer. After retiring from farming, he worked with the Jones County ABC Board. He was a member of Armenia Christian Church and loved his church family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; and set the precedent of always putting family first.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Briley Smith II and Laura Taylor Smith; wife, Vivian “Carrol” Sumrell Smith and daughter, Brenda Smith Taylor; siblings, George Smith, Hazel Smith Marcom, Charles Smith, Bruce Miller, and Robert Miller. Billy is survived by his daughter, Peggy Smith Mallard and husband Bill; and son, William “Briley” Smith IV and wife Jennifer; grandchildren, Marenda Everett and husband Ernie; Blake Taylor and wife Tonya; Chad Barwick and wife Nicole; Josh Barwick and wife Candice; Allison Siebel, Emily Smith and Caroline Smith; great-grandchildren, Courtney Taylor, Jackson Rogers, Christopher Rogers, Emmie Rogers, Isabel Siebel, William Siebel, Braelyn Barwick, Tinsley Barwick and Grey Barwick; many special nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Loved ones are welcome to pay final respects at Howard-Carter Funeral home Friday from noon - 4:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Armenia Christian Church, 1817 Highway 70-E, Kinston, NC 28501 and Wyse Fork Volunteer Fire Department, 6936 Wyse Fork Road, Dover NC 28526 .