Billy Eugene Fly

Mr. Billy Eugene Fly, 78, of Cleveland, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at his home.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2018, at Ray Funeral Home.  Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018, at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Jonathan Speegle and Bro. Buddy Jennings officiating.   Interment and Military honors will follow in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Billy was born in Shaw, MS, on May 3, 1940, to John S. Fly and Ruby Elizabeth Gilmer Fly.  As a man with pride for his county, Billy served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and continued his service as a Machinist Mate First Class for over twenty years until his retirement.  After dedicating his life to his country, he only felt right to continue his service by dedicating his life to his fellow Veteran brothers.  This act of love showed through his consistent involvement in the Patriot Guard Riders, being commander of VFW Post 4800 for over ten years,  serving as District Commander for districts 12 and 7, and by always being a familiar face at any Patriotic event throughout Cleveland and its surrounding areas. 
When Billy wasn't demonstrating true patriotism, he was constantly telling jokes, playing on Facebook, or spending time with his canine best friend Ben.  He also had a true passion for all cars, trucks, racing vehicles, or truly anything that had a motor.  You could often find him at the dirt track cheering on friends, and he was able to list every driver there as well as the drivers of Nascar.  Billy had a deep love for his family, and his grandbabies held his heart in the palm of their hands. 
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Fly; sister, Elizabeth Clark; step-daughter, Margaret Utz; and step-son, Preston Utz.
Billy is survived by his wife, Jessie Clare Little of Cleveland; his canine companion, Sir Benjamin of the House of Fly of Cleveland; children, Dawn Denison (Matthew Schroder) of Chula Vista, CA, and Beverly Converse of South Dakota; step-children, Wendy Walker Jones of Philadelphia, PN, Jay Livingston Jones of Coral Springs, FL, Tara Utz Herin (David) of Boyle, and Rachel Utz Foster (Bobby) of Boyle; siblings, Martha O'Leary (Aubrey) of Cantonment, FL, Virginia Way (Willie) of Greenville, Mary Helen Jennings (Buddy) of Laurel; and numerous beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Pallbearers will be Kim Showers, Mike Way, Jay Jones, Jay Jones, Jr., Bobby Foster,  David Herin, Clifford Denison, and Matthew Shrodder. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Patriot Guard Riders and the VFW Post 4800.
In loving memory of Billy, the family requests donations made to VFW National Children's Home: 3573 South Waverly Rd. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 and/or VFW Post 4800 P.O. Box 184 Cleveland, MS 38732.

Visitation

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, October 5, 2018
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Celebration of Life

11:00 am Saturday, October 6, 2018
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Interment with Military Honors

North Cleveland Cemetery. N Bayou Cleveland, Mississippi, United States