William S. "Billy" Smith

William S. “Billy” Smith, 76, of Reidsville, Georgia, passed away on March 10, 2026. Born on January 25, 1950, to William Swinton Smith and Maxie Adkins Smith, Billy lived a life shaped by service, a deep love of flying, and the quiet joy he found in family and friends.

A respected aviator and public servant, Billy served more than 30 years with the Georgia State Patrol Aviation unit, including several years as Director of Aviation. He also served as a Commander in the Georgia Army National Guard, where his expertise, steady leadership, and profound knowledge of flight earned the lasting respect of fellow pilots and colleagues. In addition to his public service, he flew for Air Med and owned SouthEastern Air Services, continuing to share his passion for aviation with others. Over his career, he logged more than 20,000 hours in helicopters and airplanes, a testament to a lifetime spent in the skies.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Billy was known for his generous spirit and the warmth he brought to those around him. He was affectionately famous for his “Billy Burgers,” a cherished tradition at family gatherings. He found simple happiness manning the grill or spending peaceful days boating on Lake Chatuge and Lake Burton with the people he loved.

Billy is survived by his wife, Maxine Smith; his children, Wil Smith (Samantha) and Krista Bradley; and his grandchildren, Dylan, Darryan, Kayla, Emma, and Lily. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Smith, and his sister, Carol Fay. He will be remembered for his distinguished career, his remarkable achievements, and above all for his generosity, humor, and the deep friendships he built throughout his life. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, both on the ground and in the skies.