William Shelby Billingslea

     William Shelby Billingslea, lovingly known as "Billy" or "Grandaddy," passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his family. A lifelong resident of Pickens, Mississippi, Billy was a devoted family man, a proud veteran, and a friend to many.

     Born on September 11, 1931, to William Walter Billingslea and Mable Dendy Billingslea, Billy graduated from Camden High School and went on to attend Holmes Junior College on a football scholarship. He later served honorably in the United States Air Force, with his final station in Germany, where he made lasting memories and collected stories he would share for years to come.

     In 1953, he married the love of his life, Joanne Robinson Billingslea. Together they built a life rooted in love, family, and faith. Billy retired from the U.S. Postal Service, never slowing down. He raised cattle and built a catfish pond for his grandchildren and passed down his passion for deer hunting to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known for his storytelling and generous heart, he lived a life filled with purpose and joy, surrounded by his family on land that has been in his family since the 1800’s.

     Billy was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Joanne; sisters Audrey Pepper, Elmease Patton, Alice Ann Jennings; brother Walter Billingslea; daughters Billie Jo Arnold and Dianne Mansell; and grandsons Cal Shelby Foy and Tee Foy. He is survived by his daughters, Vikki Foy and Shelly Pittman; sister Martha Parker (Lester); grandchildren, Courtney Mansell, Liza Adcock (Josh), JoAnna Warren (Bud), Dendy Blankenship (Michael), Ashley Chisholm (Dusty), Seth Foy, Jessica Arnold, Megan Touchton (Jad), and Catherine Mansell; and great-grandchildren Kaitlyn Warren, Collin Smart, Natalie Smart, Harper Foy, Claire Warren, Austin Waldrup, Claudia Smart, Ty Touchton, Cal Foy, Michael Blankenship, and Caleb Adcock.

     Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Breeland Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Concord Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Blankenship, Seth Foy, Jad Touchton, Dusty Chisholm, Josh Adcock, Kidd Parker, Preston Pittman, and Bud Warren. Honorary pallbearers are Collin Smart, Austin Waldrup, Ty Touchton, Cal Foy, and Michael Blankenship.

     Above all, Billy will be remembered for his deep love of family, his generosity, and his enduring spirit. Whether he was hosting family beach trips, stocking the pond, or simply lending a helping hand, he made everyone around him feel loved and cared for. He was our Grandaddy—and he always will be.

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