William “Billy” Hansford Bess II died on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee after a brief illness.
His sisters, Jane, and Margaret, cared for Billy before he was transferred by helicopter on Aug. 3 from Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Vanderbilt Hospital.
Billy was born Nov. 12, 1956, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Alvin Hansford and LaVonne Lewis Bess. Billy grew up in Poplar Bluff and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1975. Billy played lineman on the football team. During the rivaled Poplar Bluff versus Sikeston football game his senior year, Billy rallied his teammates to victory by breaking a board with a karate kick on the sidelines. Billy graduated with a business degree in 1979 from Southeast Missouri State University where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. Throughout his life, Billy remained close to the Poplar Bluff community and his beloved class of 1975 friends.
Billy was baptized at First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. He worshiped at Mt Auburn Christian Church in Cape Girardeau where he played the part of the Shepard in their annual Christmas play.
Billy worked in his family business, Bluff City Beer Company, for 35 years. As part of his duties, Billy lived in Kennett, Bonne Terre, and Herculaneum before settling in Jackson, Missouri in 1992. Billy made many friends in each community and appreciated the different qualities of each area. Billy served on the board and as president of the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association.
Billy played a vital role in his family’s business, but it would be remiss to limit Billy’s life story to the chapter on the beer business.
Billy could master any task that piqued his interest. He once took first place in a hog calling contest and would demonstrate if you were skeptical. Billy was a black belt in Karate. Billy was a great dancer and could be the life of the party. Billy had great comedic timing and could nail the punchline of a good joke. Billy was blessed with a keen memory and could discuss intricate facts on World War II battles. Billy was fascinated and disillusioned by politics in equal measure. Billy became interested in the art of barbecue and studied to become a Memphis in May qualified barbecue contest juror. Billy had a secret recipe for barbecue rub that, alas, he has taken to the grave. Billy was an avid outdoorsman. His birthday fell during deer season, and he enjoyed hunting with his cousins at the Sites family farm in Blackwater, Missouri. Billy was an exceptional cook and loved to entertain his family in his home. Billy loved fast well-engineered vehicles and collected motorcycles and Ford Mustangs.
In retirement, Billy started a commercial pyrotechnic business and was mastering synchronizing music with fireworks the week that he fell ill. However, what we will remember most about Billy was his generous spirit and his robust, infectious laugh that could fill a room and draw everyone to his side to join in the fun.
Billy is survived by his sisters, Kelley (Mike) Innes of Poplar Bluff, Jane Ellen (Bruce) Powell of Jackson, Missouri and Margaret Ann (David) Guettermann of Millersville, Missouri. Billy enjoyed and lavished attention on his nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his beloved companions, Tipsy, Cash and Doodle bug.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin H. and LaVonne Lewis Bess.
Fitch Hillis Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may call at Ford and Sons Funeral Home on Mt. Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, Aug. 12. Funeral service will immediately follow. Billy’s brother-in-law, the Rev. Bruce Powell will officiate.
A second service will be held in Poplar Bluff, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Fitch Hillis Funeral Home Funeral service immediately following. Billy’s cousin, the Rev. John Harwell, will officiate. Billy will be interred in his family plot at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to the Joda William Bess Scholarship at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.