Billy Lewis Hennessee, 88, of Decatur, TN, died on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at NHC Nursing Facility in Athens.
He was an avid bird hunter, loved riding and training horses, was active in field trials, and passionate about gardening. He often traveled to South Dakota for bird hunting expeditions. His devotion was foremost to his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren; faithfully following their musical and sporting events, and speaking highly of their accomplishments. Mr. Hennessee was well known and respected for his love of honest hard work and strong determination that carried over into all aspects of his life.
A native of McMinn County and a longtime resident of Decatur, he was a son of the late Harl Eugene and Fannie Meldoria Vincent Hennessee; and was also preceded in death by a son, Jack Lewis Hennessee; a granddaughter, Kimberly Hennessee Moses; three brothers, Johnie William, Arlen Lee and Arthur Eugene Hennessee; and two sisters, Anna Mary Hennessee Norris and Ruby Alice Hennessee Harrison.
He was a member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Mr. Hennessee was retired from Volunteer Electric Cooperative as a line crew foreman. He had a long work history in line crew construction, working previously for many years with Dillard Smith Construction Company.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Hazel Creasman Hennessee; two sons, Jerry Hennessee of Athens, Ron (Judi) Hennessee of Decatur; five grandchildren, Jeff Hennessee of Cookeville, Laura (John) Smith of Dalton, Chris (Rachel) Hennessee of Nashville, Chad (Tonya) Hennessee of Dayton and Adam (Christy) Hennessee of Dayton; seven great-grandchildren, Taylor and Madison Smith, Matthew Moses, Hayes Hennessee,l Cason and Zacary Hennessee, Anna Kate Hennessee and one boy on the way in January 2013; his brother, Charlie Roscoe Hennessee; sister, Mattie Bell Hennessee Cate; several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; many special friends and hunting buddies; and close extended family members, Becky Elrod and Lois Bracken.
The family will celebrate a life well lived Monday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Ministers Rod Dunn and Hugh Bryan will officiate. Burial will be immediately following the service in the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Cemetery. Grandson and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers along with Tommy Creasman and Mark Hayes. Honorary pallbearer will be Grant Creasman.
Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 18, from 1-3 p.m. at the Bowers Funeral Home in Decatur, who has charge of the arrangements.