WILLIAM "BILLY" JOSEPH SMITH passed away on
Jan. 20, 2014 at the age of 34 at his residence in
Ranger, TX.
Billy was born on March 19, 1979 in Abilene, TX to
Thomas & Margo Smith. He played football for Abilene
High and Ranger High schools. He attended Ranger High
School in the Class of 1997 and was Mr. RHS his Senior
year. After high school he attended Vernon College
and San Angelo State. Billy was on the rodeo team
during college and had a passion for bull riding. He
would enjoy attending rodeos for the remainder of his
life. Billy loved music & enjoyed playing his guitar.
He was a devoted and loving son, caring brother and
doting uncle and was especially protective of his
little brother, Dustin.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his parents,
Thomas and Margo Smith of Ranger, sisters, Jennifer
Lyons and Kathy Smith both of Abilene, and DeDe Slemmons
(RHS-2000) of Ft. Worth, TX, brothers, Dustin Smith of
Ranger, and James Smith (RHS-2003) of Euless, TX and
four nephews and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William
& Dolores Smith of Abilene, Santiago and Flora Pena of
Abilene, and brother-in-law Robert Lyons of Austin, TX.
Billy Smith was a wild mustang in life and now he can
run free.
MOTHER: MARGO ILDA PENA SMITH, 81, passed
away peacefully on Feb. 28, 2026, in Eastland, TX.
Born on Oct. 30, 1944, in Portland, OR to Santiago &
Flora Peņa, Margo was raised in Corpus Christi, TX,
before her family settled in Abilene, TX, where she
built a life rooted in faith, family, service, and
community. Burial was in the Texas State Veterans
Cemetery in Abilene.
A proud graduate of Abilene High School, she continued
her education at Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry
University. She began her career with the Abilene Police
Department before dedicating 35 years of service to
Southwestern Bell. She was an active member of the
Communication Workers of America (CWA), reflecting her
strong work ethic and commitment to her colleagues.
In March of 1977, she married the love of her life,
Thomas Smith. Together they built a family grounded
in devotion and resilience.
Margo was a woman of remarkable presence - tenacious,
hilarious, driven, and deeply dedicated to those she
loved. In 1963, she was crowned Fiesta Queen in Abilene
in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, a reflection
of her vibrant spirit and pride in her heritage. She
was Margo was a woman of remarkable presence - tenacious,
hilarious, driven, and deeply dedicated to those she
loved. In 1963, she was crowned Fiesta Queen in Abilene
in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, a reflection
of her vibrant spirit and pride in her heritage. She was
politically engaged and proud to have attended the inau-
gurations of President Bill Clinton and Governor Ann
Richards as a delegate, where she also volunteered her
time assisting with phone banks. engaged and proud to
have attended the inaugurations of President Bill Clinton
and Governor Ann Richards as a delegate, where she also
volunteered her time assisting with phone banks.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Margo was a
devoted member of St. Rita's Catholic Church in Ranger
and previously Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abilene.
She also served faithfully with the Women's Altar Society
at St. Rita's.
Margo was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved
son, William "Billy" Smith (RHS-1997); her brothers,
Rolando and Roger Peņa; and her sister, Irma Peņa.
She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Smith;
her children: Jennifer Mink and husband Patrick; Kathy
Smith; Dolores "DeDe" Slemmons & partner Tyler Phillips;
James Smith and wife Kerri; and Dustin Smith. She is
also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Joseph
Carrillo, Robin Lyons, Ryan Crozier, Hayden Slemmons,
Evan Slemmons, Stevie Smith, and Harlow Phillips. She
is further survived by her sister, Irene Escobedo, and
her brother, Santiago "Jimmy" Peņa Sr., along with many
extended family members and dear friends.
Margo will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her
strong will, her beautiful presence, and her incredible
sense of humor. She had a way of filling a room with
warmth and joy, and her legacy of strength and love
will live on through her family.