Billy Joe Messemore

Billy Joe Messemore (83) of Lena, MS, died peacefully on January 16, 2026 with his family surrounding him. He was born on June 17, 1942, to Arthur William Messemore and Lura Beech Messemore in Ellisville, MS. He was married to Sharon Ray Messemore for over 50 years and raised their two children in Clinton, MS.

He founded Dependable Pest Service on March 1, 1973, and built the business with intention and care until 2015. He valued his role as a service to others and found purpose in helping them. He was highly respected in his job professionally and personally. He served in various capacities for the Mississippi Pest Control Association and was inducted into the Mississippi Pest Control Hall of Fame in 2009. He was recognized not only for his strong work ethic but for his love of people. He used his profession as a means to love his neighbor. He took food to those who needed and conversation to those who were lonely. Fittingly, his son Billy Messemore took over the duties when Billy Joe retired and his son continues his legacy in the family business.

When he retired, Billy Joe and Sharon moved to Lena, MS, where he cared for the land with the same intention and enthusiasm. He had an intense desire to care for God’s people and His creation. During his retirement, he built a haven for his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his pets. In his final years, he found great satisfaction in daily walks with his dog, Lucky, and feeding the deer, turkey and various wildlife. He always found various projects for Sharon and him to do to “fix” something that he thought could run a little better around the property. He cherished time with family and spent days fervently preparing for their arrival, gathering supplies and loading fishing rods and tackle boxes. He relished days with the grandchildren feeding the animals, fishing, and exploring the land. While Billy Joe was the definition of a hard worker, his values reached far beyond his own desires to merely do a good job. Behind his tenacity was a deep yearning to love others and he perfectly displayed God’s love beyond the confines of church doors.

He was a great storyteller, loved to laugh, and knew intuitively how to put others at ease. When he walked into a room, he did not command attention but inevitably received it with his authentic desire to connect with others. For Billy Joe, he viewed everyone as a friend so they willingly forgave his incessant speaking about his family. He found any opportunity to update everyone about his children or share funny stories about his grandkids. He was proud of them and valued their happiness. He passed away in peace with the satisfaction of a family well loved and a job well done. He is cherished and will be deeply missed.

Billy Joe is survived by his wife, Sharon Ray Messemore (Lena, MS); his children, Billy Ray (Sherry) Messemore (Madison, MS) and Amanda (Paul) Perry (Tupelo, MS). He had 7 grandchildren who adored him: Kara Messemore (23), Sara Beth Messemore (20), Will Perry (17), Mary Tannler Perry (16), James Paul Perry (14), Marion Perry (7), and Margaret Perry (7). He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his siblings Lanoel Messemore, Grady Messemore, Howard Messemore, and Margie Horn.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral home on January 23, 2026 from 12:30 to 2:00 with the service to begin at 2:00 with graveside service following. Donations can be made to your local animal shelter.