Obituary of Wesley Riddell Smith Jr

Butch, 72, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on February 17, 2023 at home after a long health struggle of which he never complained.

Butch was born Wesley Riddle Smith, Jr. on December 3, 1951 in Clearwater, Florida to Wesley R. Smith and Elouise Wallace Smith.  He was called “Butch” as a baby, and he was a second generation born native of Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida.  He was proud of his Clearwater roots.

Butch graduated from Thornwell High School in Clinton, SC May 1969.  He joined the United States Army right after graduation.  He was an air craft mechanic and a Radio Intelligence Operator during the Vietnam war.  After an honorary discharge from the Army he worked as an air craft mechanic for several commercial airlines.

Butch married Moonyeen Mutia on April 21, 2001, and they were married for 22 years.  Butch was preceded in death by his father and mother and his sister Frances Kaye Smith.  He is survived by his wife Moonyeen Smith, his daughter Heather Betsill, his sisters Nancy Kincade Baker, Bebe Ademy [Marty], brother Rae Riggs [Kathy] and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Butch loved to read and he loved learning about things.  He always read the newspapers intently.  In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and outdoor activities like boating, as well as golfing in his spare time. He liked to talk about his time with Eastern airlines and the many friends he made while employed. He enjoyed cooking, watching TV, especially Food Network and NCIS shows. And he loved his TRUCK!! However he loved Moon even more.