Billy Paul Moncrief, 93, of Fort Gaines, Georgia passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Southeast Health Medical Center in Dothan, Alabama with his devoted wife of 60 years by his side.

Billy was born June 10, 1931, to John Edgar Moncrief and Amy Kate Murphy Moncrief in the beautiful Pine Mountain Valley of rural Harris County, Georgia (between the towns of Hamilton and Shiloh), and was the third of six children.  As a young teenager, his family moved to Manchester, Georgia, where he graduated from Manchester High School in 1948.  He served in the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War era from April 9, 1951, to April 8, 1955.  He was Plane Captain of a Navy Patrol Bomber, mainly stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, Keflavík, Iceland, and Port Lyautey, French Morocco in North Africa.  Upon completion of his service in the Navy, he enrolled at Valdosta State College and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.  He was voted into Who's Who in Colleges and Universities.

Billy came to Fort Gaines in September 1960 as the County Executive Director of the ASCS office (USDA – Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service) from which he retired on November 3, 1994.  Immediately upon his arrival in Fort Gaines, he became involved in the community.  He joined Fort Gaines Baptist Church in 1960 and was ordained as a Deacon in 1961.  He was an active and dedicated church member with a deep faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was recently named Deacon Emeritus.  He joined the Fort Gaines Volunteer Fire Department, which later became the Clay County Volunteer Fire Department, in September 1960.  He served as the Fire Chief or Assistant Fire Chief for many of these years and retired in 2013 after 52 ½ years of faithful service.  He also joined the Fort Gaines Lions Club in 1960 and was an active member until 2022, serving as Chaplain for many years.  He married Joy Brady on August 30, 1964, and settled permanently in her hometown of Fort Gaines where they raised two children, established a beautiful yard and home, and took good care of each other for sixty years.

Billy had a true servant's heart and loved to help others, giving generously of his time and talents throughout his lifetime.  He was a part of the Rescue/Dive Team for Clay County for many years when Lake Walter F. George was formed.  He was on the Clay County Farm Bureau Board of Directors since 1999 and was a member of the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief Team.  He was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  In return, he was loved by many and respected by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Moncrief Collier, brothers Joseph Moncrief, Leonard Moncrief, Harvey "Pee Wee" Moncrief, and Jerry Moncrief, brother-in-law Richard "Dick" Collier, and sisters-in-law Yvonne Brady Blalock, Juanita Moncrief, and Jeanette Moncrief.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Brady Moncrief, son Michael (Jackie) Moncrief of Panama City, Florida, and daughter Melanie Moncrief (Kenny) Williams of Cuthbert, Georgia.  He was a proud "Granddaddy" to Heather Moncrief (John) Cox, Liza Moncrief, Cameron (Kalee) Moncrief, Colton Moncrief (fiancée Katie Brown), Brandon Williams, and Ashley Williams and "Great-Granddaddy" to Layla Williams, Morgan Cox, and Baby Girl Moncrief on the way.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who all loved their "Uncle Billy" and many special young friends who knew him simply as "Granddaddy."  The family gives glory to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and thanks Him for the gift of Billy Paul Moncrief.

If you would like to honor Billy's memory, you may do so by following his example and serving God, your country, your community, your church, and your family.  In lieu of food and flowers, the family suggests donations in honor of Billy to the Clay County Volunteer Fire Department (105 N. Washington St., Suite 5, Fort Gaines, GA 39851).

A private family graveside service will be held on January 28, 2025, at New Park Cemetery in Fort Gaines, Georgia.  The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support and invites you to share your memories and condolences through the Lunsford Funeral Home website.

LUNSFORD FUNERAL HOME

CUTHBERT, GA 229/732-2148