Billy was a man ofsterling qualities

Billy, as he was affectionately known to the many friends, neighbours and colleagues who knew him, was the dearly loved husband of Mima and the dear father of John and Alan.

He sustained a great loss eight years ago on the passing of his only daughter Norma.

A man of many sterling qualities and of upright character he was held in the highest esteem by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He was employed in the Rathfriland Depot of UTA, which later became Ulsterbus. Here he won the respect of all his fellow workers and indeed the passengers which travelled.

He an esteemed member of the Orange and Black Institutions, being a Past Master of Ballyroney LOL No 300 and a Past Master of Ballyroney Black Perceptory RBP 104.

He also held the position of District Master in Rathfriland Orange District No 3. He was a delegate for a time in the Tierkelly Branch of The Ulster Unionist Party.

Billy was a Lance Corporal in the Ulster Defence Regiment and later he became a member of the UDR Association and was an ardent member of Rathfriland branch of the Royal British Legion.

A member of Ballyroney Presbyterian Church he was a regular attender there.

He is survived by his wife Mima, two sons John (Ballyroney) and Alan (Banbridge), daughters-in-law Annette and Karen, son-in-law Richard, seven grandchildren Peter, Neil, Laura, Stephen, Suzanne, Scott and Michael.

The funeral took place from his home on Monday, September 16, for a service in Ballyroney Presbyterian Church when the large congregation heard his minister the Rev Philip McCullough pay a fitting tribute.

As the cortege made its way to his last resting place members of the UDR Association and Royal British Legion (Rathfriland Branch) formed a guard of honour with members of the UDR Association acting as Pall Bearers.

After the committal both the RBL and UDR Association paid their last respects by reciting the Exhortation and the dropping of poppies.

Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co. Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for Macmillan Cancer Care.

William Bell and Co. had charge of the funeral arrangements.