Billy Hennessee

DECATUR Billy Lewis Hennessee, 88, went home to be with the Lord 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. He was preceded in death by a son, Jack Lewis Hennessee; a granddaughter Kimberly Hennessee Moses; and three brothers, Johnie William, Arlen Lee, and Arthur Eugene Hennessee; 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 CompanyThose left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 67 years, Hazel Creasman Hennessee; two sons, Jerry Hennessee, of Athens, Ron (Judi) Hennessee, of Decatur; 5 grandchildren, Jeff Hennessee, of Cookeville, Laura (John) Smith, of Dalton, Ga., Chris (Rachel) Hennessee, of Nashville, Chad (Tonya) Hennessee, of Dayton, Adam (Christy) Hennessee, of Dayton; and 7 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 Jan. 2013. He is also survived by his beloved brother Charlie Roscoe Hennessee; and precious sister, Mattie Bell Hennessee Cate; several nieces and nephews, sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, and many special friends and hunting buddies Close extended members of the family are Becky Elrod and Lois Bracken.Visitation will be today, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bowers Funeral Home in Decatur. The family will celebrate a life well lived Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 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.If you are unable to attend the visitation or service go to www.bowersfh.com and sign the guest book and offer your condolences. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home and Cremation Services Decatur Chapel of Decatur, TN. 423-334-3661