Billy C. Askew

Billy Claude Askew Sr. passed away Monday, December 12th in Jackson at the University of Mississippi Medical Center of heart failure. He was 64 years old. A retired state trooper with the Mississippi Highway Patrol for 25 years, he returned to MHP as a civilian employee for an additional 8 years. He was a US Army veteran and National Guardsman with service in Korea and Desert Storm. He served his community as a Mason and Shriner, and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Byram.

Born in Red Bay, Alabama, he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating high school from Oakhaven High School prior to joining the army in 1965. After moving to Jackson in 1974, he began his career with the Highway Patrol. He has a degree in accounting from Hinds Community College. Best known as a passionate fan of the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Cleveland Indians, he was very active in coaching baseball and softball for many years.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marion L. Askew of Potts Camp, MS; his wife, Hilda Jean Herrington Askew; his children, James of Tampa, Florida, Valerie Alexander of Terry, Billy, Jr. of Florence, and Matthew of Terry; grandchildren, Marion and Benjamin of Southaven, Mississippi, Hallie Alexander, Jonathan and Julia Safely, Billy Claude, III (Trey), and a baby girl just weeks away.

Visitation will be held at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, MS on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from 5:30 to 8:00pm. Services are scheduled for 9:30am at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Byram Thursday with interment to follow at Fannin Baptist Church Cemetery.