Billy was born in Columbus and lived most of his life there. He didn’t care for school much and would rather be anywhere else. He dreaded going home one afternoon in middle school to show his report card. His father was very disappointed to see an “F” in P.E. He couldn’t understand how anyone could get an F in “playing”. Billy would NOT dress out in his gym clothes. So, in high school when he learned he could leave at noon to play on the golf team, that’s what he did. And boy could he play golf. He earned a scholarship to the local community college but passed it up to join the working world. He worked hard. At first in the golf business, then in the liquor business, then in real estate. He was a hard worker and provided well for his family. His daughter Amy once said, “You know how when you get an envelope in the mail and you wish it was money?” Well, Billy was known to send Amy or the grandchildren money with “wish mail” written on the back of the envelope. Oh, how he loved his girls! He was proud of his son, Cain working abroad for the State Department. He couldn’t understand why anyone would want to travel the world, but he was very proud of Cain. Billy’s favorite place was home. He loved to come home from work, feed the deer, sit on the deck, open a beer and crank up Bruno Mars. The neighbors always knew when Billy was home!
Billy was a devoted father, friend, neighbor, and husband. When Judy was sick he cared for her before and after her illness. He shopped, cooked, cleaned, and was there in any way needed. He was a good, good man and will be missed.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Joan Harrelson, and sister, Jody Massey.
He is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Amy Routten, son Cain Harrelson; grandchildren, Emma and Annabelle Routten; brothers Mike (Deb) and Jimmy Harrelson as well as nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Hospice www.columbushospice.com.
Thank you to friends and neighbors for all your phone calls, texts, food and prayers. In his final days it gave him comfort to reconnect with old friends and new.
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