Billy Smith

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Billy Smith, a name that will forever resonate within our hearts, passed away on the 21st of February, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. He was born on July 7, 1968 to Morgan Teddy Smith and Billie Rae (Simons) Smith. 

With an endearing smile and an infectious sense of humor, Billy has left us with a treasury of memories that will continue to inspire and uplift us. He was not just a cashier at a local convenience store; he was a beacon of positivity to every customer who walked through the door.

Billy, a man of simplicity and strength, had an uncanny ability to turn mundane moments into unforgettable memories. His colleagues remember him as the 'cheery cashier,' who was always ready with a warm hello and a kind word. He had a unique knack for remembering people's favorite items, often having them ready before they reached the counter. This simple gesture of thoughtfulness and care made him a beloved figure within the community, turning ordinary transactions into memorable interactions. 

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Billy, through his daily acts of kindness, embodied this quote to the fullest.

Billy leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, which will be cherished by his surviving family, his son Johnny Schinkel; his daughter; and his cousin Paulla Randall. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morgan Teddy and Billie Rae Smith. His spirit will continue to guide them, reminding them of the essence of life - to love, to laugh, to live with kindness. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Billy. The sharing of these memories will serve as a testament to the remarkable man he was, and the profound impact he had on the lives of those he encountered. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

In the memory of Billy Smith, let us all strive to live by his example, to add a touch of kindness to someone's day, to spread joy with our laughter, and to love unconditionally. As we remember Billy, let's celebrate his life, cherishing the moments he has left behind, and continue to keep his spirit alive. Remember, "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living" (Marcus Tullius Cicero).