Thursday, October 1, 2026
Billye Joyce Smith, 91, of Fort Worth and Granbury, Texas, passed away peacefully at home with family and friends beside her Monday, March 16, 2026. She was born March 26, 1934, in Cement, Comanche County, Oklahoma. Billye was the daughter of Edith Irene (Walker) Elkins and Steven Cleo Elkins of Lawton, Oklahoma. She was the wife of David Gene Smith and they were the parents of two children Debra and Howard.
In the mid 1950s, with her husband Dave’s appointment to General Dynamics, the family relocated from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Fort Worth. Billye raised her children with loving care and found a lifelong friend in her neighbor, Myrtle Adams. Their friendship spanned 55 years. They became sisters at heart.
When her children were in high school, Billye decided to work part-time as a bookkeeper for Diamond H Recognition, an employee recognition company. During her ensuing tenure, she became a full-time bookkeeper, head of accounting, and eventually the chief financial officer of the corporation. Each year, an employee award is given in her name in honor of her respected service to the company.
She loved dogs! Following her retirement at 70, she finally had the time to fully enjoy her neighbors and friends, who were equally devoted to caring for all animals. “Gramma” Billye delighted in caring for a few special "grand-dogs," especially “Peaches and Mia,” whose family entrusted them to her loving, extraordinary care.
Upon selling her Fort Worth home, Billye relocated to live her life in the lovely, historic town of Granbury. There, she would spend many happy times at her friend’s beautiful Victorian home, which served as the perfect spot for local festivities.
Billye is survived by her daughter, Debra Smith Pinkney and husband Scott Lloyd Pinkney of Cape Cod, Massachusetts; daughters-in-law, Teresa Engelhart Smith of McFarland, Wisconsin and Paula Ringness Smith of Fort Worth, Texas; grandson, Matthew Engelhart and fiancée Rebecca Peters of Madison, Wisconsin; granddaughter, Anna Engelhart Keaton and her husband Matt Keaton of Waukesha, Wisconsin; grandson, Ryan Austin Smith of Austin, Texas; grandson, Spencer Lloyd Smith Pinkney and wife Felicia DiDomenico Pinkney of Boston, Massachusetts; and great-grandchildren, Dahlten, Parker and Logan Keaton of Waukesha, Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Howard Steven Smith, her parents and Myrtle and Walter Adams.
For their kindness and companionship, the family expresses gratitude and thanks to Bill, Randy, Ron and Tom Adams, and, for her inexhaustible devotion to mother, her caregiver, Mary.
Billye was a member of, and requested a private committal service at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. Her ashes will be interred in the St. Stephen Columbarium next to those of Myrtle and Walter Adams.
Donations in Billye Joyce Smith’s name may be made to Granbury Friends for Animals, 2885 Fall Creek Hwy., Granbury, TX 76049, phone 817-326-3647, www.granburyadoptapet.org , the ASPCA or an animal shelter of your choice.
