William "Billy" T. Lumpkin

William Thomas Lumpkin, Jr was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father in the early morning hours of July 4, 2022. Billy, as everyone knew him, was born September 6, 1928. He was 93 years old. On hand to greet him were his parents, William T. Lumpkin, Sr. and Marie Lumpkin, sister Miriam Braden, daughters Vicki Ann Lumpkin and Melanie Downs, and grandsons Ryan Downs, Stephen Downs, and Christopher Lumpkin. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Myrtis C. Lumpkin, his son, William Barry Lumpkin (Carol), son in law David Downs (Kelly), grandchildren Stephanie Lay (Marc), William Phillip Lumpkin, Holly Grace Risner (Andrew), and Troy Daniel Lumpkin, along with many nieces and nephews. He was also able to meet his two Great Granddaughters Navy Rosanna Risner and Savannah Jo Lay.

Billy Lumpkin, a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, FL. graduated from Robert E Lee High School in 1946. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army and was sent to Japan where he served for a time, just as WWII was ending. He returned home and continued using his mechanic skills working on heavy equipment for Duval county. Wanting a change of career, he pursued an education in refrigeration and joined the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 234, where he was a member for over 50 years. After working at several companies in town, he found his “home” at W. W. Gay Mechanical Contractors. Among his responsibilities there was maintaining the refrigeration equipment at Maxwell House Coffee. He retired from W. W. Gay after 22 years. Truly a man of integrity, he was well respected by all who knew him.

After he retired, he enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife around the country, taking several tours and cruises to places like Alaska, Nova Scotia, and the northwest United States. He also kept busy with his hobby of making stained glass art, while he was able.

A longtime member of Arlington Baptist Church, he was very involved serving, as a deacon, enjoyed singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday School. He and his daughter Melanie would also lead singing at some of the local Senior Adult facilities in town. Billy also served for a time as the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 209, which was sponsored by ABC. More recently he joined Dunn’s Creek Baptist Church, where he enjoyed singing in the Senior Adult Choir, as well as solos from time to time.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm (Noon) on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Dunn's Creek Baptist Church

1425 Starratt Road Jacksonville, FL 32218. A Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32205

Arrangements being handled by Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32211

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on his behalf will be appreciated.