William Fred 'Billy' Smith

Smith, William "Billy" Fred Age 72, passed away October 3rd, 2024. Preceded in death by his father, John R Smith, and sister in-law Karon Smith. Billy was a realtor and developer; owned and operated Business Centers Inc. in Saint Louis Park, MN. He, along with his brother and father developed many industrial properties in Saint Louis Park, and Eden Prairie, along with a commercial center in the Turks & Caicos Islands. His focus was "small space for small businesses." Billy helped many businesses succeed. His children strive to carry on the great business and culture he started. He devoted over a decade of his life creating Minnesota Wines and starting Warehouse Winery; the first inter-city winery in Minnesota. He and his mother, Irene, spent many hours tending to the vines he planted in Wayzata. He loved entertaining guests at the winery and trade shows, harkening back to the days he worked on the Royal American Shows carnival with his brother as kids. Billy attended Minnetonka High School and University of Arizona, where he worked towards a degree in architecture. Billy was an artist at heart, mastering pottery, photography and sculpting. He loved to travel and deep sea fish and owned a number of fishing boats over the years. He, along with his friends and sons, drove the boats from Florida to the Turks & Caicos islands many times. Billy loved downhill skiing, taking many trips to the Rockies and to Lutsen. He loved motorcycle touring and dirt bike riding with family and friends, and had many fond memories of staying at Nemo Ranch during the Sturgis bike rally. Billy always said his greatest accomplishment of his life was his sons. He will be loved and missed by his Mother, Irene Smith, Brother, John T. Smith, and sons; Harrison and Parker (Jaimie) Smith; grandchildren, Archer, Indy and Otto Smith; many loving other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life Friday December 6, 11 AM at Wayzata Community Church, 125 East Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata. Visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the service. Reception will be at Warehouse Winery in Saint Louis Park immediately following the funeral. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577

Published on October 20, 2024