William G."Billy"Karns

A true Christian, he served as Sunday school superintendent, deacon and chairman and member of many committees at Emanuel Baptist Church. After Emanuel merged with First Baptist Church, he served for many years as church treasurer and taught the college Sunday school class. He had an almost photographic mind regarding Bible stories, going into great detail and guiding the students fully through the lesson of the day. He was a Bible historian and read his Bible every day until his eyesight wouldn't permit. He inspired many a young person to keep Christian ways and imparted a great deal of knowledge to them. He was a person of strong views, but never had a bad word about anyone. He sometimes would jokingly refer to someone having a different viewpoint as "he's got a hard head, but I think I cracked it." For many decades he wrote short poems and was a humorist. He never had any animosity toward anyone. He was virtually a professional master of ceremonies and speech-maker for most of his life. He never knew a stranger and always had a smile and a handshake for everyone. He proudly served in the Army in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Billy rose to the rank of master sergeant while in the service. He also was a proud community servant. He served as president and a director of the Downtown Kiwanis Club and was a member for more than 50 years. He received the prestigious Hixson Award for outstanding service as a member of the Kiwanis Club. He also served on the board of General Health Inc. for several years and as president of Louisiana Wholesale Grocers Association. He also served on the board of the Red Cross and was very active for many years in the Special Olympics. He never sought accolades for his activities, preferring to simply do what was right. He was president of Louis Levy Grocer Co. for three decades and, as a golfer, he held the record for the most holes in one in Baton Rouge. Billy died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at his home in Baton Rouge. He was 89 and a native of Baton Rouge. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 9 a.m. until the religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Dr. Jerry Barlow. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. He is survived by a son, Barry W. Karns and fiancée Deborah Poirrier, of Baton Rouge; a sister, Evelyn Snyder; five grandchildren, David Karns and wife Denise, Julie Shannon Karns, Shelby Robert and husband Jon, Jason Karns and wife Dawn, and Ashley Woods and husband Jason; and nine great-grandchildren, Kyle Karns, Erin Karns, Noah Robert, Josephine Robert, Cooper Karns, Tyler Kohn, Parker Kohn, Mackenzie Woods and Makayla Woods. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Emily Offutt Karns; his wife, Margery Lanehart Karns; a son, Richard Glen Karns; and a brother, Benjamin Terrell Karns Jr. Pallbearers will be David Karns, Jason Karns and Jon Robert.