Billy Joe Hall, 91, of Orrick passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021, at his home in Orrick.

Billy was born on Nov. 24, 1929, in Orrick to Don Hall and Helen (McMullen) Hall. He lived all of his life in Orrick and attended schools in Orrick.

In 1951, he went into the Army Air Force and was there until late 1953, having spent one-and-a-half years in Korea. In February 1955, he was united in marriage to Maria Garreffa of Mosby, and to this union was born one son, Paul Timothy Hall.

Billy was a member of the Orrick Baptist Church. His life was built around his church. He served as teacher for young boys, also served as Sunday School superintendent and was an ordained deacon. He also served as the church treasurer for many years.

He served the city of Orrick as the city collector for 25 years. He worked most of his life in his family’s grocery store, Hall’s Grocery in Orrick, and retired from his duties there in 1993.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Donna Sue Stagner.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Maria Hall; son, Paul Timothy Hall of Texas; brother, John Hall (Karma) of Gravois Mills; sister, Mary Lou Payne of Orrick; grandchildren, Monica Hall of Kansas City and Kendal Hall (Jacki) of Spokane, Washington; and four great-grandchildren, Shadow, Aurora, Mercedez and Bentlee. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

In lieu of floral arrangements, memorials are suggested to be given to the Orrick Baptist Church in his honor.

Visitation took place 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.

Funeral services took place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, at the Orrick Baptist Church, with Rev. Jacob Overstreet officiating.

Billy was laid to rest with his family in Riffe Cemetery northwest of Orrick with full military honors provided by the U.S. Army and Ray County Veterans honors team. Those who attended were asked to wear a mask and social distance.

Arrangements were by Gowing Funeral Home of Orrick.