Billy DeWayne Pillow

Posted on February 2, 2024

Billy DeWayne Pillow, 86, passed away on Jan. 26, 2024. He was born on May 19, 1937, in Carroll County, Tenn., to Oscar and Molly Pillow. He was preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings. He moved to Perry in 1957 and married the love of his life, Paddy O’Grady Pillow, in 1959. They spent 65 wonderful years together. Billy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He worked as a bank teller at Florida National Bank, then as plant manager and vice president at SportCraft Boats. His last job was with the family business, Woods ‘n Water Magazine. Billy coached the Perry Grocery Packers little league football team and was a staunch supporter of the Taylor County Bulldogs football team his entire life. He rarely missed a game, home or away, and took immense pleasure in cooking for the team, taking photographs at games and participating in Super Dog Booster activities. He was also a die-hard Florida State sports fan, particularly football. He loved discussing FSU football with his buddies over breakfast every morning at one of the local restaurants and ribbing his Florida Gator fan friends, particularly after a Gators loss. He was an avid fisherman to say the least and was on the water every chance he got. His friends claim that he could catch a fish in a mud puddle, and that’s probably accurate. One of his greatest joys was to take friends and family out fishing and do his best to make sure everyone on board caught a fish. Billy was a great athlete and excelled at many sports, including football, basketball, baseball and softball. He loved staying in good shape and worked out several days a week at Barnyard Crossfit up until the time he passed away. His good friend Sammy Agner said Billy motivated the much younger clientele at Barnyard, particularly when they found out that he was still pumping iron at 86 years old. He was a devoted husband, a loving dad to his four children and a dear friend to countless people. He made a positive impression on everyone he met, and nobody who was lucky enough to meet him ever forgot him. He was happiest when he was doing something to help someone else. He took great pride in supporting Taylor County in so many ways, and many have said that the county is a better place because of Billy Pillow. He loved his family fiercely and always did anything in his power to ensure that they had all that they needed. His children, Terri Pillow Pate (Damian), Kerri Pillow Plaza (Ralph), Dec Pillow and Lindsay Pillow Hunt (William) were his heart, and they will be lost without him. He also loved spending time with his two grandchildren, Sydney Plaza and Blake Plaza. One of his favorite things was to cook breakfast for the family when everyone was together. When it was ready, he would cheerfully yell, “That’s all there is, there ain’t gonna be any more!” The family held a private graveside service for Billy at Pineview Memorial Cemetery on Jan. 29. A Celebration of Life will be held soon to honor and celebrate Billy’s long, wonderful life.