William "Billy" Clarence Pape, Jr., 80, of Raymond, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 19, 2026, surrounded by his adoring family at home. A man who "never met a stranger," Billy leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, family, friendship, hard work, and incredible strength.

Born in Rocklin, California, to William Clarence “W.C.” Pape, Sr., and Agonis Dease Pape, Billy moved with his parents and two sisters, Virginia and Janet, to Seminary, Mississippi, in 1950. His father started a small plumbing business in the community and enlisted Billy as his helper at a young age.

After graduating from Seminary High School, Billy attended Jones County Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi before beginning what would become a lifelong career in the plumbing trade. Billy also proudly served 28 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard, retiring as a Master Sergeant the 213th Medical Brigade in 1995.

In 1970, Billy met the love of his life, Virginia Kay Speed, at Specks Diner in Collins, Mississippi, where she worked weekends while attending Mississippi State University. The couple began dating and were married at Leaf River Baptist Church on May 25, 1974. They moved to Jackson, where they raised their three children, Lynn, Sheri, and Joey.

In 1991, Billy founded Billy Pape Plumbing, Inc., with one truck and one helper. His wife, Kay, retired from the Jackson Public School system in 1997, and worked alongside him until their retirement in 2012. Through Billy's hard work, integrity, and gift for building relationships, the couple grew a small residential plumbing business into a multi-state commercial plumbing company serving projects across Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Upon retirement, Billy turned his business over to his son and daughter-in-law, Joey and Lauren Pape, who continue the legacy built by Billy and Kay.

Billy could often be found in his car shop at their home in Raymond, usually accompanied by one of his beloved cats, where he and Kay shared a passion for building and restoring antique automobiles. They enjoyed traveling to car shows across the country, including the National Street Rod Association annual event in Louisville, Kentucky, Crusin’ the Coast, and Automotion Classic Car Show in Wisconsin Dells.

Billy's deep faith in God was the cornerstone of his life. He and Kay were active members of First Baptist Church of Raymond, where they attended the early morning worship service each Sunday. Billy lived out his faith by generously giving of his time, skills, and equipment, volunteering throughout his life with schools, churches, Habitat for Humanity, and the Friends of Raymond.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. and Agonis Pape and his sister, Janet.

Billy is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 52 years, Virginia Kay (Speed) Pape; their three children, Lynn Fuller (Dan) of Madison, Sheri Pape-Blythe (Ryan) of Long Beach, and Joey Pape (Lauren) of Raymond; and six cherished grandchildren: Will Fuller, Maggie Fuller, Palmer Blythe, Lyndi Kate Pape, Brooks Pape, and Dylan Pape and his sister, Virginia. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.

The family thanks the many healthcare professionals at UT MD Anderson, St. Dominic Hospital, Vital Caring Hospice and the caregivers that provided such great support to Billy and his family throughout his courageous battle.

A visitation will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, Mississippi on July 21, 2026, from 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m., and a memorial service will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, Mississippi on July 22, 2026, at 2:00p.m.