Billy Leon Avant, age 72, died Friday, May 27, 2016 at his home in Water Valley, MS with his family by his side. He was born June 29, 1943 in Yalobusha County, MS to the late Joseph and Mary Davis Avant. Billy served for a short period of time in the U.S. Army then went to work in the packing department of Motts Industries. Billy was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Turkey Creek Baptist Church and enjoyed camping, fishing, spending time with family and friends, and helping others in any way he could.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 2, 2016 in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Charles Fitts officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Crest Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Yalobusha County with Joe Davis, Matthew Childress, Chris Cade, Lee Sigler, Eddie Perkins, Terry Burke and Andrew Avant serving as pallbearers.
Billy is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mildred Ray Avant of Water Valley, MS; his daughter, Ashley Avant of Denver, CO; his son, Michael (Stacy) Avant of Water Valley, MS; five sisters, Patsy (Dennis) Waldo, Nina (Vidus) Pendleton and Tommie Foster all of Indiana, Linda (Marshall) Richards of Texas and Pat Cade of Water Valley, MS; one brother, Clint Avant of Oxford, MS; and four grandchildren, Zackary Michael Bright, Bradley Allen Avant, Christopher Lee Avant and Andrew Justin Avant.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jerry Riley, Brenda Avant, Betty Coleman and Beverly Davis; and one brother, James Alton Avant.