Obituaries

Billy Felker

Billy Douglas Felker, of Chattanooga, took a heavenly flight to meet Jesus on Sunday morning, Feb. 2, 2014. Billy was born Feb. 24, 1942 in Kentucky and raised on a farm. He remembered looking up to the sky one day and saw an airplane, which set the path for his future. He studied hard, graduated from the University of Kentucky, and was commissioned as a 2LT in the United States Army. He graduated from the Infantry Officers Basic Course and was selected for flight training. Upon completion of flight school, Billy served a tour in Vietnam flying UH-1 "Huey" helicopters. For his bravery he earned several Distinguished Flying Crosses. Following his service the U.S. Army, Mr. Felker had a very successful career in corporate aviation flying for companies including Provident Life Insurance Co. and Krystal Co. as well as private individuals. He traveled the world and his wife was very fortunate being able to travel some with him. He was an avid sportsman and a devoted Kentucky Basketball fan. Billy was also very active in many organizations. He was a Deacon and a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church and the Servants Sunday School Class. He was a member of Sunnyside #359, OES, was a past Master of Brainerd Lodge #736, Alhambra Shrine, QBs, Soujourners, Heroes of 76, and Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. Billy was an excellent role model, teacher, coach and mentor. He has touched many, many lives and is loved and will be missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Ella Mae Felker; and a brother and sister. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Susan Felker; daughters, DeReese (Peter) Goshorn and Amy (Dr. Hunter) Norris and their families; a very special uncle, Lawson Felker; and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to his wonderful team of doctors for their care during his 18 month battle with brain cancer. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today in the East Brainerd Chapel with Dr. Bill Owens, Dr. Doug Plumlee and Rev. Larry Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the VVA-203. The Servants Sunday School Class will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends from noon-1 p.m. today at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will follow the visitation by the Brainerd Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church Building Fund, the Brainerd Lodge #736 Carpet Fund, the Wounded Warriors, or Wreaths Across America. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com. Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Published February 4, 2014

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