Billy Dale Smiley

Billy Dale Smiley passed away on July 3, 2024. He was born on November 27, 1958, in Kermit, Texas to James Billy Smiley and Jo (Williams) Ellis but moved to Corsicana at a young age and lived there for the majority of his life until moving to Buffalo to be near his mother. Billy Dale started his mechanic and truck driving careers early, dismantling and rebuilding lawn mowers, air compressors, and more at a very young age - and often without permission. By the time he was a teenager, he was driving big rigs with his daddy and riding bulls with friends. Clearly gifted with mechanical skills, he attended Lincoln Tech and received his diesel mechanic certificate. He was well known for his ability to diagnose and repair problems that others could not and could be found on the side of the road or in a pasture bringing someone’s well loved rig back to life, working relentlessly until the job was done. It was no surprise that he often showed up several hours late and covered in grease to family functions for this very reason. He also had superior truck driving and heavy equipment operating skills, driving a truck all over the United States and Canada.

Billy’s legacy extends beyond his professional endeavors; he was baptized in Emmanuel Baptist Church in Corsicana and was described by many as having a heart of gold. He was also well known for pulling pranks and making others laugh with his willingness to say or do anything at any time. His favorite ways to relax included a good day of fishing, a long couch nap with a dog, or playing with kids.

Billy was preceded in death by his father, James Billy Smiley and step-father, Harry G. Ellis.

Surviving family members include mother, Jo M. Ellis of Buffalo; daughter, Carol Dellynn Smiley Pope & husband, Neal, of China Spring; step-mother, Elizabeth Smiley of Temple; sister, Teresa (Smiley) Wolfe of Georgetown; grandson, Tyson Pope and a very large but close-knit family that included a niece and nephew, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was also blessed to have met his beloved, Diane Ivie, several years ago.

A funeral service to celebrate Billy's life will take place on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 1 P.M. at Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas. Rev. Sammy Carter, longtime friend, will officiate the service. Billy will be laid to rest next to his father in Cotton Gin Cemetery near Mexia, Texas. A visitation will be held Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Court Franklin Memorial Scholarship Fund at Baylor University. 

Pallbearers: Larry Anderton, Curtis McKinney, Randy Hennessee, Mike Temple, Tully Williams, Chris Wolfe, Kenan Isbell, Trevor Baugh

Honorary Pallbearers: Larry McGrew, Gene Grace, Gowan Murphy, Kevin Dwyer, Kenneth Ellis, Marshall "Bubby" Bonds

 Arrangements are under the direction of Walters' Buffalo Funeral Home, Buffalo, Texas.