Billy Joe Smith, 33°
(Feb 15, 1932-Sep 21, 2008)

Obituary
Billy Joe Smith was born February 15, 1932, in Thayer, Missouri, the son of Roy D. and Elizabeth (Pitchford) Smith. He is a graduate of Kansas City Business College. His military career in the U.S. Air Force spanned more than 20 years, retiring in 1973 as a Senior Master Sergeant. While stationed at Albrook AFB in Panama, and finally at Richards-Gebaur AFB in Belton, Missouri, he won countless awards for his innovation and cost-saving measures. He spent many years in the electronics field, specializing in sound and alarm systems. Among his accomplishments, B.J. was responsible for engineering the sound system for the original Royals Stadium and Peters Theater at William Jewell College, and the alarm systems for the original Crown Center Complex and the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Brother B.J. Smith was a member of Grandview Masonic Lodge, a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and was a very active member of Ararat Shrine Temple. At Ararat, B.J. was a member of Grandview Shrine Club, the Order of Quetzalcoatl, the Scooter Corps, and the Gold Wings. He was also responsible for the Shrine's sound system and audio-visual needs. Along with his late wife, B.J. was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. In all he did, B.J. was a true gentleman. B.J. was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 48 years and his daughters, Nancy Smith of Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla., and Katherine Montguire and her husband Robert of Vernon, British Columbia.