Billy Wayne Ling

Amory - Billy Wayne Ling, 66, passed away Friday, November 8, 2013, at his home. He was born on December 22, 1946, to the late James Ellis and Rubie Inez Williams Ling.

A native of Gattman, he attended Gattman Elementary School, Greenwood Springs Elementary School and Hatley High School, graduating in 1965. Upon graduation, he attended Itawamba Junior College before entering the workforce. He enjoyed a 22-year career with the Frisco and Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroads before his retirement in 1992, serving as Conductor for the majority of his career. He was a member and Executive Committee member of Depriest Chapel Freewill Baptist Church and was a lifetime member of the J.A. Mayfield Masonic Lodge.

Hardworking, honest, and having a big heart, he was an avid sportsman who loved spending time in the outdoors, attending auctions, and going to Dirt Cheap. He was a lifetime member of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), and his love for the outdoors led him to serve in leadership positions of organizations that shared his passion for hunting and fishing. He served as the Northern District Vice President of the Mississippi Still Hunters’ Association, the Treasurer of the Mississippi B.A.S.S. Federation, and the Vice President/Tournament Director of his local bass fishing club, the Aberdeen Tenn-Tom Bassmasters. His favorite saying was, “You can’t fix stupid.”

In addition to his parents, his brother, Girthie Ling, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his loving wife of 45 years, Donna W. Ling of Amory; his son, James Alvon “Al” Ling and wife, Kim, of Oxford; his grandson, James Richard Ling of Oxford; his brother, Rick Gault and wife, Karen, of Amory. He is also survived by three nephews, Paul Gault and wife, Heather, of Amory, Anthony Ling of Tupelo, Byron Ling and wife, Tammie, of Pace, FL; and one niece, Melinda Ling Cruse and husband, Mike, of Tupelo.

Pallbearers will be Paul Gault, Jackie Palmer, Leamon Edgeworth, Joe Easter, Jim Northington, Richard Wall and Bobby Ling.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 A.M. Monday, November 11, 2013 with Bro. Don Taggart officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. E.E. Pickle Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be from 5 until 8 P.M. Sunday, November 10, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Sanctuary Home Hospice, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803 or to the Depriest Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, P.O. Box 132, Gattman, MS 38844.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.