William Franklin Smith, 70, passed away unexpectedly on May 3, 2022, in Berryville, AR. He was a man with many nicknames.
Frank was born February 28, 1952, in Harrison, Arkansas, the eldest son of Herman and Jeanette Smith of Urbanette, AR.
Billy Frank was a high school football player, member of the FFA, and Sophomore Class President.
Before graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Deanna Kay Doss, in 1969. Frank apprenticed as a welder/pipe-fitter right out of high school in 1970. Billy Frank’s work took him all over the country.
In 1974, Frank and Dee welcomed their eldest daughter, followed in 1977 by their son, and then their baby daughter in 1982. After years of living in several different places throughout the country,
Bill and family settled in Winnemucca, NV in 1983, where they would remain until the early 2000s.
The family relocated to the Reno/Carson area to be nearer to the grandchildren.
Papa adored his grandchildren and enjoyed being goofy, playful, and teaching them how to be hard-workers like him.
He also loved driving around with them.
Bill was a 50 year member of the UA local 350 union. He was a Master Mason of Lodge No Ashley 66.
He believed in community and taking care of each other. He worked incredibly hard at whatever task was set in front of him.
When Deanna had a stroke in 2015, he became her primary caregiver and premiere advocate until her death in January of 2022. His devotion to his family was the centrepin of his being.
Big Frank was deceptively hilarious, and, having come from a long line of truly great storytellers, he could spin a yarn for just about anybody.
He maintained lifelong friendships with people who would all tell you he was a kind and loving man. Folks will say “I don’t know anyone who didn’t like Frank Smith.”
Willie was a man of great faith, and he lived his life in the model of Christ.
He never missed an opportunity to tell folks about the tremendous grace of our lord and savior.
His shocking passing is more bearable knowing that he has rejoined his family in heaven.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Deanna Kay Smith (nee Doss), his parents, Jeanette Jane Smith (née Miller) and Herman Andrew Smith, sister Brenda Hesson and niece Annette Hesson, brother-in-law Ed Ward, and great-niece Tristan Fitch.
Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends as well.
All of whom enthusiastically welcomed him in heaven.
He is survived by his three children: daughters, Lori Smith-Kaminsky (Nick) of Granger, IN, and Shavawn Smith of Fayetteville, AR, and his son, Matt Smith (Nicolette), grand children: Sam, Isabella, Avery, and Abby, his stepmother-in-law, Pearl Doss of Regina, Canada, his sisters: Marilyn Depona (Peter) of Hot
Springs, AR, Peggy Ward of Gainesville, FL, and Betty Fitch (Nevada) of Hindsville, AR, and brother Eddie Smith (Judy) of Prairie Grove, AR, and brother-in-law Don Hesson, his sisters-in-law Dianna Matzeder (Don) of Berryville, AR, Debbie Harris (Doug) of Conway, AR, and Denise Hutchison (Gary) of Berryville,
AR, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be 10:00 am till 11:00 am, Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Grandview Baptist Church in Berryville with the memorial service following at 11:00 am
A celebration of life will take place in Reno, NV at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation (kidney.org), Gideons International (https://www.gideons.org/) or planting a tree in his memory with the Arbor Day Foundation (https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative).
Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2022.
