Billy Joe "BJ" Smith

Born 8-29-1933 in Peeltown, TX to David B. and Floy Smith and passed away on January 3, 2024 in Mesquite, TX.

Predeceased by both parents, his brother Kenneth, son Jason McGraw Smith, granddaughter Randi Whicker and grandson Joshua Smith.

Survived by wife of 67 years, Ann, daughter Keely and husband Clay Wells, daughter Lori and husband Don Wilt, son Judson Smith and wife Kay, daughter Casey Smith, four grandchildren - Jason McGraw Smith, II & wife Jessica, Diana Talekar and husband Prathamesh, Rikki Smith and husband Nick Hilbert, Ray Dowdy, and Eric Whicker, and four great grandchildren- Easton Whicker, Kasen Whicker, Hunter Smith and Paarth Talekar.

BJ graduated from Forest Avenue High School in 1950; received his BBA from SMU in 1955 and his Juris Doctorate from SMU in 1958. He was in private law practice in Mesquite for 30 years before joining the City of Mesquite as the City Attorney, a position he held for 30 years. Before becoming the City Attorney, he had been very active in politics in the City, serving on the Planning & Zoning Board, serving as a City Councilman and Mayor, serving on the MISD Board of Trustees and on the Board of Dallas County Schools, having served as President of both school boards. He has served in elected offices for a total of 35 years.

In l997 the Mesquite Independent School District named an elementary school in his honor - his proudest moment. He was recognized as One of 100 Heros of Mesquite ISD in 2001. He was honored by the PTA with a life membership at B J Smith Elementary School.

BJ served as President of the Mesquite Bar Association and was named a life member in 1996. He was chosen as an Outstanding Alumni of Forest High School in 2008.

On March 30, 2018, the Mesquite City Council dedicated Municipal Courtroom No. 1 in recognition of his service and lifelong devotion to the Mesquite community.

BJ and Ann were some of the founding members of the Mesquite Arts Council; he was a member of the Mesquite-Big Town Rotary Club; First president of the Mesquite Friends of Library and various other organizations during his lifetime.

He was an active member of Eastridge Park Christian Church, having served as a deacon and elder.

In lieu of flowers, donations to BJ Smith Elementary School, Ann Smith Park, MISD Education Foundation, or The Park Christian Church Good Samaritan Fund would be appreciated.