Virgil Smith

Virgil Sylvania Smith - 83, of Merced, entered eternal rest at Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia on Monday, May 26th.

 He was known affectionately as ‘Billy” or “Jimmy Wayne” by his family and friends.

Virgil Sylvania Smith was born on August 27, 1941, in Tennessee to Mills Smith Sr., and Annie Chance Smith. He grew up working alongside his father, learning the value of hard work from a young age. With grit and independence, he hitchhiked to New York as a young man, determined to make his own way. After some time on the East Coast, he journeyed west to California — first arriving in Los Angeles before continuing north.

He eventually made his way to Merced, where he planted strong roots and raised his family. Over three decades, Virgil built a life marked by quiet strength and steady presence. He was a stern, loving and devoted father to five children and a proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren. 

Later in life, Virgil moved to Atwater, where he embraced a new chapter filled with love, connection, and extended family. He continued to live with grace, humor, and his own unique rhythm. His presence was felt — not through loud words, but through the calm steadiness he brought to every room.

Virgil was laid-back, funny in his own way, and always a bit mysterious. He had a deep love for life’s simple pleasures: mornings with The Price Is Right, peaceful fishing trips, video games, slow drives, and occasional visits to the casino. He enjoyed good food, quiet moments, and time with the people he cared about. 

Though he didn’t always speak much, his loyalty ran deep. He was real — no front, no performance, just Virgil. A man who stood on his own and loved in his own way. The memories that we have of him shall be cherished forever. 

Virgil leaves behind a legacy of resilience, independence, and deep family bonds. His children and grandchildren carry his name and spirit forward — remembering his laugh, his silence, and the strong, unwavering presence he gave them all.

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“We’ll miss your voice, your stillness, your strength — and everything in between.”

Virgil “Billy” leaves behind to mourn him children; Willie Bell Bass III, Virgil “Teddy” Smith, Anetra “Monique” Smith, and Annie Smith. In addition to his sister, Mary Francis Smith, Special niece: Annie Lynn Smith and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as his favorite cousin Barbara Ann Smith all of Knoxville, Tennessee 

He is preceded in death by his Father: Mills Smith Sr., Mother: Annie Louise Smith, beloved son Sean Jerome Smith ‘One Love," Sister: Dorothy “Dot” Bishop, Brother: Mills Smith Jr., Nephews: Jeffrey, Jerry, Gregory, & Terry Smith, and longtime companion Zoraida Nieves.

The repast will be held at Applegate Park's Rossotti Center Building at 1075 West 25th Street. Merced CA 95340. There is parking located on site. If you have any questions, please contact Wilson Family Funeral Chapel of Merced.

Thank you,

Bass & Smith Family

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