On January 17, 2020, a beloved father of three, a cherished husband, friend, local youth athletic coach and mentor to many, lost his life at the age of 41 after a struggle with armed intruders during a home invasion. Billy Owens Smith has been described by many as the “embodiment of sunlight,” and since his death has left family and friends to feel his loss every day. This was evident on Friday evening, November 12, at the Beltway Plaza Wall of Fame reception honoring Billy and his life. Speaker after speaker stood and relayed memories of a man who embodied kindness, love and generosity toward others.
To open the ceremony Kap Kapastin of Beltway Plaza management gave a few remarks stating, “We are here tonight to honor Billy and his many contributions to the community.” Kapastin spoke further about how Billy was an “ambassador of God” and that he deserved the “hero designation.” After Kapastin spoke, the Reverend Ray Raysor gave the invocation prayer. A large crowd of people had turned out to watch the ceremony, filling the hallway in which the Wall of Fame is located. Most city councilmembers were present including Emmett Jordan, Kristen Weaver, Silke Pope, Judith Davis, Ric Gordon and Colin Byrd. Byrd spoke and reflected that Smith’s contributions reached far beyond athletics, in that the concern and dedication Smith demonstrated while coaching local youth sports impacted the character and minds of the kids he came into contact with in a positive and far-reaching way.
One of the most moving speeches was given by Smith’s mother. Terry Smith stated, “I am a proud mother.” She spoke of her son’s magnetic personality and “how he planted seeds of kindness and giving in so many.” Layla Smith, daughter and student at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, said that her dad, “is my hero,” while Nathan Marshall, Smith’s coaching colleague, said, “Billy was that person that would step up – he had the heart for it.” Xavier Dockery, who Smith coached, stated that, “he was a father figure,” and Brian Butler, manager of the Springhill Lake Recreation Center, described fond and happy memories of family get-togethers. Finally, Robert Zugby, Smith’s father-in-law, spoke of how Billy was much more than a son-in-law, saying, “He was our son.” Zugby talked about how Billy always considered the broader community as an extension of his family. To close the proceedings, Kristina Smith, Billy’s widow, thanked everyone for honoring Billy that evening, stating that it “gives me comfort to see how he impacted so many people in such a positive way.” She added, “I cannot wait for the day we get full justice for Billy and that will happen,” referring to criminal charges pending in court against Billy’s assailants.
Billy Smith’s picture has been installed on the Wall of Fame, located at the TJ Maxx entrance at Beltway Plaza, in recognition of his service to the Greenbelt community and to honor his legacy as a coach and mentor of youth with the Greenbelt Boys and Girls Club.
