Billy Laverne Smith, Jr., 70, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 in The Woodlands, Texas.  He was born on September 13, 1954 to Billy L. Smith, Sr. and Betty Ann Smith in Texas City, Texas.

Billy graduated from La Marque High School and played baseball collegiately at Sam Houston State. A 6’8 200 pound pitcher, Smith was drafted by the Houston Astros in the thirteenth round of the 1977 Major League Baseball Draft. On August 19, 1981, he made his first career start against the Philadelphia Phillies and pitched seven innings earning his first career win. During the 1981 season, he was 1-1 with a 2.41 earned run average in nine games. Smith was a self-proclaimed “ground ball pitcher” and threw right and batted right handed.

A resident of Conroe, Texas, after his playing days were over he was a private pitching coach and, always the Ultimate Dad, coached his children’s sports teams. He spent his life working jobs that utilized his gregarious and outgoing personality. Billy enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with friends and animals, having owned countless dogs throughout the years and even a horse, named Bo. He loved refurbishing furniture and antiquing with his wife Arlinda, and was an avid Houston Astros and Houston Rockets fan.

Billy was known by friends and family to have great stories, an easygoing nature and a sharp sense of humor.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years Arlinda and their children Shanna (Brandon) and Dustin (Adriana), his granddaughter Alma, his sister Bettyna and his dog, Maggie. He was preceded in death by his parents Billy Sr. and Betty Ann, his mother-in-law Arlene, and his dogs – to name just a few – Max, Rocky, and Duke.

A visitation will be on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque from 10:00am – 11:00am with the funeral service at 11:00am with Msgr. James Anderson officiating.

Food and fellowship following the service at St Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1601 Lake Rd, La Marque, 77568.