Billy Joe Smith, 78, of Indianola, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Indianola Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Billy Joe was born August 29, 1943, in Merigold, to John Joseph Smith and Gladys Violet Winters Smith. He worked at Mid Delta Sheet Metal for many years prior to a devastating injury in 1971, where he was electrocuted and wasn't expected to live. Billy Joe had to learn how to walk and talk again after the injury, but he defied the odds and survived many more years. He was a unique, one-of-a-kind person with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family with all his heart.

Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Marion "Popcorn" Smith, John Smith, Eugene Smith, and George Smith; one sister, Janice Smith; two grandsons, Shawn Stricklin and Jonathan Tayler Smith; and the mother of his children, Charlene Holeman.

He is survived by one son, Billy Joe Smith, Jr. (Stacie) of  Bartlett, Tennessee; one daughter, Monica Edwards (Bryan) of Greenville; one brother, Curtis Smith (Joyce) of Linn; two sisters, Lavern Griffin of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Betty Nelson (Steve) of Saucier; six grandchildren, Joey Smith, Hunter Smith, Daniel Smith, Trey Stricklin (Lisa), Keri Stricklin, and Kristyn Edwards; six great grandchildren, Luke Smith, Waylon Smith, Colin Stricklin, Christian Leach, Ryan Leach, and Hannah Leach; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 6, 2022, at Burton Funeral Home with Rev. Pete Roncali officiating. Burial will follow in Indianola City Cemetery. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.