Billy Dan Sheets, Sr.
June 29, 1929 – January 1, 2019
Billy Dan Sheets Sr., 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Pinellas Park, Florida on January 1, 2019. Billy was born in Lamar, Colorado on June 29, 1929, the son of Dave Sheets and Lona Dobbs. His father died and he and his mother returned to Saline County, Arkansas later marrying Albert Houpt where he spent his childhood. He graduated from Glen Rose High School in 1948 and joined the United States Army. He proudly served in the Army from 1948 until 1956. In 1951 Billy married Marilyn Cargile of Atlanta, Georgia with whom he had three children. He thereafter married Leta Mae Holmes in 1966 until her death in 1999. He and Marilyn later married again and were together from 2002 until his death. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter, Marsha McNamee (Dennis), son, Billy Sheets, Jr. (Eva) and daughter, Peggy Fields (Carroll – aka Buzzy). His stepson Perry Holmes (Paula) and his stepson, Joel Roberts (Misty). Grandchildren include Amanda Shannon, Sean McNamee (Michelle), Laura Jackson (Jimmie), Andrea McDermott (Eric), Nicholas Fields (Yhotzmine), and Kristen Fields as well as 16 great-grandchildren all of Florida, three brothers Albert Houpt, Jim Houpt, Douglas Houpt and sister, Louise Sanchez all of Arkansas.
After leaving the Army began working for the Federal Prison System in 1967 and retired in 1981.
He was a lifelong member of the organization of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for 51 years. He served as the Exalted Ruler of the Florence, Arizona Lodge from 1985 until 1986.
Visitation Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday January 7, 2019 at Ashby Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. Graveside services will be held at Graham Cemetery located on Graham Road at State Road 67 in Saline County, Arkansas on Tuesday January 8, 2019 beginning at 1:00. A celebration of life will follow at the St. Petersburg Elks Lodge, Florida on Sunday, January 13, 2019. (Time of these services are to be determined)
In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to the St. Petersburg, FL Elks Lodge, #1224.
