Billy Traylor was born August 31, 1939, in Lafayette County, MS and passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at his home in Belden, MS. He graduated from Whitehaven High School in 1959. He joined the United States Air Force on November 18, 1959, where he served until August 17, 1961. He then served in the Tennessee Air National Guard until his retirement on October 13, 1998. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. After retirement, he drove for Greyhound and Southern Stages Charters. He also worked in the warehouse for William Sonoma.
Billy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Billy was a true family man and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was saved at an early age and has served his Savior faithfully his whole life. He served as a deacon, Sunday School Director, teacher, and sang in the choir at FBC Byhalia for 35 years before moving to Booneville, MS. Finally residing in Belden, MS where he was a member of Sherman Baptist Church.
Survivors: Wife of 60 years Elizabeth Traylor, one daughter Deborah (Debbie) Wilmoth (Craig); two sons Robert Benson (Benny) Traylor; William David Traylor (Terri). One Brother Earl G. Traylor (Glenda); one sister Betsy Pannell (Gene); one Bonus sister Betty Ballard. One brother-in-law Eugene Adams. 12 Grandchildren- Ashley Myers (Peyton); Kristin Gaines (Matt); Tyler Wilmoth (Christie); Cody Traylor (Lydia); Casey Traylor (Orion); William Traylor; Ben Traylor (Jamie); Ethan Traylor (Caitlin); Luke Traylor; Landon Traylor; Abigail Traylor; Katlyn Warren (Trent). 13 Great Grandchildren and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by: Parents- Claude Benson and Lola Clydell Traylor; two sisters and brother in laws- Sue Sims (Jerry); Lola Spear (Cecil); One brother and sister-in-law – Doyle Traylor (Janice); one brother-in-law – Earl Adams and one bonus brother-in-law – Bill Ballard.
The service is set for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc, MS, with Bro. Rob Ray officiating. Burial will follow at Corinth National Cemetery. Visitation will take place Sunday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins.
Pallbearers: William Tyler Wilmoth; Cody James Traylor, Casey Quay Traylor, William Carey Traylor, Benjamin Quay Traylor, Johnethan Wynn Traylor, Luke Adams Traylor, and Landon Stewart Traylor.
