Billy Gene Lothridge Jr.

Billy was born in Laurens, SC and graduated from Hickory Tavern High School with hopes of being shipped out to help fight for his country in the Vietnam War. When he was denied due to an inner ear issue, Billy joined the US Navy as he aspired to be a Pilot in the Navy. This also did not work out due to his inner ear, so he began his career to keep the pilots safe by working on the jets that were used in several key military missions. Billy's knowledge and expertise were used in many missions that none of us will ever know about due to the sensitivity made clear by the term he used many times, "If I told you, I'd have to kill ya!" Billy retired after 20 years as a Chief Petty Officer with his late second wife, Joyce, and his 6 kids. They officially relocated to Knoxville, TN where his wife's family resided.

Billy had a long stint at Panasonic starting at the bottom and working his way up to being a key member of the team that designed and created more efficient solar panels for spacecraft. Billy had a career at Denso where he was a Metrologist. After Joyce passed away, he finally retired to do a little traveling with his third wife, Pat.

Billy also was a very skilled Amateur Radio Operator, N4RHV, holding a general class license and being a part of the local Amateur radio clubs in Knoxville and Sevierville. When Knoxville had the great Blizzard of 93, Billy was one of the emergency Amateur radio operators that helped keep communication between municipalities when power dropped.

After the death of Pat, Billy's health struggled but he still enjoyed his fur and feather babies including: two parakeets named Bella and Baby and a cat named Ham. In the last couple of years of his life, Billy rekindled with his first wife, Mary, and they were remarried. Mary remained by his side through his final months dealing with health issues.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Billy G., Sr. and Addie Louise Lothridge; his second wife, Joyce Elaine; third wife, Pat Stair, and granddaughter, Rosalyn Jean Lothridge. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Lothridge; daughter, Muna Rodriguez (Keith McCloud); sons, Steven G., Billy III (Sharlene), James R. (Lesieli), Thomas M. (Danielle), Alan M. (Emily); granddaughters, Maddie L., Kate W., Amelia R., and newest addition, Morgan L; grandsons, Ben and Ian L.; great-granddaughters, Darla and Freyja; siblings, Midge Lollis, Grady Lothridge Sr. (Althea), Ricky Lothridge, John Lothridge Sr. (Susan), and Jerry Lothridge; and best friend, David Culberson. Billy was also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and other close friends.

Services will take place on Billy's 76th Birthday, Tuesday, April 21st at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 12-2pm with funeral service at 2pm. Pastor Ken Link of Ironworks Church will be officiating. Graveside service will immediately take place following the funeral service at Greenwood Cemetery, 3500 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918.