Billy’s death has left a huge void with his family and friends

He was the dearly loved husband of Margaret Jane (Jeannie) and loving father of Kenneth, Maureen and William, daughters-in-law Irene and Vivienne and son-in-law Jim and his six grandchildren Ryan, Jason, Wayne, Glenn, Amy and Mark.

As a young man Billy, as he was affectionately known, joined the RAF during the war and after that he later went on to work in the Banbridge Chronicle and subsequently Nelson and Knox in Belfast where he was employed as a compositor.

On retiring Billy spent many happy hours with Jeannie in his garden growing his own tomatoes and ensuring an annual fusion of colour. He became a member of the British Legion, always taking part in the Annual Remembrance Service Parade until recent years and was always involved in the Annual Poppy Day Collection.

Billy was a member of the Masonic Order and this was reflected by the large attendance of brethren at his funeral in Magherally Parish Church. He was a life long member of the Church helping with the Annual Fete and was a past member of the Church’s Vestry and a past Church Warden but his main interest was centred around his home and family and it is there that his passing will be mostly felt.

The funeral took place from his home on Saturday, March 30, to Magherally Parish Church which was filled to capacity, many mourners having to use the Parish Hall heard his minister the Rev Palmer give a fitting tribute to Billy’s life.

The hymns ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’, ‘I The Lord of Sea and Sky’ and ‘What a Friend we have in Jesus’ were sung.

Mrs Palmer presided at the organ.

The interment took place in the family plot in Magherally Churchyard. Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu are being sent to William Bell and Co Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for Macmillan Nurses.

William Bell and Co had charge of the funeral arrangements.