Billy Rodgers Dorris, 90, of Adairville, Kentucky, passed peacefully in his home on November 3, 2024. Billy was born on February 7, 1934, in Robertson County, Tennessee and was a life-long resident of Logan County, Kentucky. He was one of five siblings, a devoted family man, and a devoted follower of Christ. Billy is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Josephine N. Dorris; his devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Marty (Edward) Tilley and Myra (Todd) Helmintoller; his beloved grandchildren Lance Frazier, Catherine (Dave) Bowles, McLean (Courtney) Riley, Sloane Helmintoller, and Hope Helmintoller; his great-grandchildren Riley Bowles, Lincoln Riley, Monroe Riley, and Jackson Frazier; his brother, Jim Dorris; his sister, Jean Dorris; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester Gray Dorris and Georgia Lorene Rodgers Dorris, his first wife and mother of his eldest daughter and late son, Willadean Douglas Dorris, his son, Billy Micheal Dorris, his brother, Claude Dorris, and his sister, Peggy (Judy) Miller.
Throughout his life, Billy possessed core qualities that everyone knew him for. He was a man who deeply loved his family, believed in hard work, was a skilled baseball player, had impossibly quick wit, and had a heart ready and willing to love like Jesus. His qualities endure in such a way that they remain vividly alive in the memories of his family and friends despite his passing.
It was evident to all, even if a person had only met him once, that Billy was a caring, kind man. There are some individuals that you meet who make you feel at home when you are around them, and Billy was that person for so many friends and loved ones. In his family, Billy played a pivotal role of being everyone’s guardian and supporter. Billy naturally took on a caregiving role in the lives of others and aimed to ensure everyone around him was taken care of before he stopped to care for himself. He would push through and persevere in any way possible if it meant the prioritization of those that he loved. If anyone needed something, Billy was always there and would find a way to help. Jesus calls his followers to love above all else, and, at this, Billy inarguably succeeded.
Aligning with his desire to ensure his family was cared for in all ways, Billy believed in hard work and diligence. For over 50 years, Billy worked for DuPont/Reemay in various roles, including needle repairs handled through his own business. He took pride in his work efforts and never complained; he served as an example to all around him of what dedication truly looked like. During his tenure, the theme of his love for interacting with and caring for others continued when he was the driver for a carpool of numerous employees. In 1979, a local newspaper featured Billy’s carpool efforts in an article titled, “Wagon from the Bluegrass.” The article shared, “He’s accident free since beginning treks from his home to the plant every workday since 1965.” Billy often recounted his memories of carpooling and was proud of ensuring his co-workers arrived safely each day.
Billy didn’t just work hard—he played hard, too. In his earlier years, Billy developed a passion and skill for the game of baseball. Not only did he enjoy the sport, but he also enjoyed creating memories with his family members. He frequently laughed as he recalled baseball games he played with his brothers, Jim Dorris and the late Claude Dorris, as players for the Adairville Aces. Newspaper clippings still tell the tales of how, “Billy Dorris, the youngest player on the squad, turned in a sensational game at short and cracked out three hits in four trips to the plate.” Billy turned his love for baseball into a tool for creating even more family memories; at every family gathering, he had a wiffle ball and bat in the trunk of his car and would gather his family together to play. Billy would be surrounded by all his grandchildren playing “ball,” and, in those moments, if you didn’t know any better, you would’ve thought he was a kid, himself.
Billy embodied the phrase “young at heart.” He was playful, a cut-up, and had a witty comment or singsong saying for all situations. He had go-to phrases which those that know him can still hear him saying, and he always had a joke to share that he had heard on the radio or read in the paper. He continually would urge others to not take things too seriously and to not get too stressed. He encouraged others to turn their worries into prayers and to lean on the Lord. His playfulness and positive attitude were no doubt gleaned from his favorite bible verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
At the center of all Billy did, he held a firm stance in his faith in God. Billy was a proud member of Main Street Church of Christ. Each Sunday, he enjoyed holding the door for members of the congregation as he welcomed them into the church building. Billy never met a stranger, and this was evident as Main Street Church of Christ attendees were greeted all the same whether it was their first visit or their hundredth. Singing hymnals allowed him to feel closer to God, and he enjoyed singing them in his home during his final days while he watched the Main Street Church of Christ’s Sunday services virtually.
It is impossible to convey the man we all knew and still dearly love through limited characters. There are more memories and indescribable, intangible feelings of care and compassion that are stirred when we hear Billy’s name than what can be effectively communicated here. Billy made others feel special; he made others feel the love of Jesus. As this attempts to express and honor the man that Billy Dorris was, it is the hope of his family that everyone who knew him will continue to share memories of his humor, his love, and his impact to allow his story to weave deeper and to continue on.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation held at Austin and Bell Funeral Home in Springfield, Tennessee on Wednesday, November 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A private family only funeral will be officiated by Bro. Barry Throneberry, assisted by Elder Don Jenkins, and held on Thursday, November 7 at Austin and Bell Funeral Home. No visitation will be held the day of the funeral. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Adairville, Kentucky. Pallbearers will be Dave Bowles, Lance Frazier, Todd Helmintoller, Bryon Miller, Tony Miller, and McLean Riley. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Allen, Steve Allen, Edward Tilley, and Ken Toothman.
Donations may be made in Billy Dorris’ honor to The American Cancer Society or Main Street Church of Christ in Springfield, Tennessee.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
