Billy Gene “Smiley” , 81, of Blackshear, died Sunday morning, January 12, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross, after an extended illness.

He was born in Jeff Davis County to the late Robert and Fannie Mae Hand . He lived most of his life in Hazlehurst, before moving to Blackshear in 2016. He owned and operated Smiley’s Country Store in Hazlehurst, which he took great pride in. He attended Word of Life Church of God of Prophecy in Blackshear. He enjoyed sitting on his porch, reading his Bible, listening to gospel

music and playing cards with his wife. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie ; two sisters, Wanell and Agnes Kersey and four brothers, Fred , Homer , Walter and Carlos .

Survivors include four daughters, Sandy McCumbers (granddaughter Jada), Denton, Cindy Black (Earl), Angie Strickland (James Hunt), Helen Sirmons (Kevin), all of Blackshear; four sons, Kendall , Ronnie Whitley (Patsy) both of Hazlehurst and Bryan Whitley (Sharon) and Bruce Whitley (April), all of Blackshear; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral service were held at 1 p.m. (today) Wednesday, Jan. 15, from the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment followed in Blackshear City Cemetery.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.

Miles-Odum Funeral Home of Waycross was in charge of arrangements.