Billy Wayne Beegle

Billy Wayne Beegle, age 75, of Lickskillet Alabama passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family and dear friends. Billy was born November 3, 1949, in Madison County, Alabama to the late Leon and Ruth (Jacobs) Beegle.

Billy had a large extended family that he loved dearly, and due to that he was a man of many names. He was born Billy Wayne, but he became Bubba to his siblings Judy and Roy, Daddy to his two daughters Carissa and Casey, BB to his many brothers and sisters in law. You will find him listed as B. Beegle when you look at the Huntsville Firefighter roster, but his favorite and most cherished name was Pawpaw to his precious grandchildren, McKenzie, Nate, Evan, and Andi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Ruth (Jacobs) Beegle, his in-laws, Danny Hill, Bud and Jimmie Brazier (children Johnny, Tracie, and Mark), Barney Cantrell (Son Shane) and his honorary sister-in-law, Stana Hicks along with many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is survived in death by his wife of 61 years (56 of those married) Vicki (Cantrell) Beegle, his daughters Carissa, (Danny Hicks) and Casey, (Josh Jones) Beegle, his grandchildren, McKenzie and Nate Hicks, Evan and Andi Jones and his honorary granddaughter Elaina Carodine. His sister and brother, Judy (Danny-daughter Wendy) Hill and Roy (Anita - Son Zack) Beegle, his in-laws, Dale (Steve - children Josh and Leah) McAllister, Mitzi (Rickey-children Shawn and Melanie) Beegle, Rudy Cantrell (daughters Marcy and Jenny), a host of great nieces and nephews, and one very special great-great niece, Samatha's daughter Ivy Bates, with whom he shared a special bond.

Billy graduated from Hazel Green High School in 1968. He was a varsity player for the Hazel Green High School basketball team, and he and dear friend, Toney Pitts, were part of the team that won the 2A State Championship in 1967. (They like to point out that 1967 was the first and last time Hazel Green won the State Championship in Boys’ Basketball). He was voted Mr. Hazel Green his senior year and elected to Boys State. After completing high school, Billy began working in the automotive industry. He started his career as a mechanic and eventually became a service manager for Bill Penny and Ray Pearman. Upon leaving the automotive field, he worked for the Huntsville City Fire Department. Shortly after joining the fire department, he became a driver for Station 7. Throughout his 30-year service with the fire department, Billy worked in many fields on the side. He was a carpenter, plumber, and all-around handyman. He used to say that he was like his Daddy and could fix anything you could get him to. There are many homes in the Lickskillet area that he plumbed for little to no money just to help people out. That is the kind of man he was.

Growing up, Billy worked on the farm with his dad Leon. He was driving a tractor at the age of 10. His chores included plowing the fields, picking cotton, tending the livestock and planting crops. His grandfather was the town blacksmith, so his roots were deep. He loved his community and served it well. He was very proud to be from Lickskillet Alabama. In his young adult years, he spent many weekends with family and friends. You could always find them together, either at one of their homes or driving the Lickskillet Racing Crusade bus to the racetrack. He had a great love of cars and even drove a race car a time or two. As he got older, he transitioned to car shows and collected classic cars. His classic Chevelles he restored were two of his most prized possessions.

Billy loved playing basketball and softball, and he was a gifted player. He enjoyed being outdoors, and he and Vicki hosted family and friends all summer for years. The 4th of July cookouts became legendary.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, at Hazel Green Funeral Home with Brother Joel Carwile officiating. Burial will follow at New Sharon Cemetery in Hazel Green.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Nate Hicks, Evan Jones, Josh Jones, Zack Beegle, Johnny Brazier, Mark Brazier, Shawn Beegle, and Josh McAllister.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Danny Hicks, Toney Pitts, Steve McAllister, and Rickey Beegle.

The family would like to thank those special family members and friends that never left their sides during Billy’s stay in the hospital and during his time at home with Hospice. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.