Billy Gene Givens

Billy Gene Givens, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Wicksburg, Alabama, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a faithful servant to both his country and his Lord.

Billy is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Brenda Quick Givens; his daughters, Terri Parnell (Ed) of Newville, Alabama, Laura Hamilton (Fulton) of Huntsville, Alabama, and Sonja Cope (Eric) of Lynn Haven, Florida; his grandchildren, Josh Parnell (Samantha), John Luke Parnell (Haylee), and Justin Parnell; and his great-grandchildren, Valen Parnell, Alex Parnell, Lucy Parnell, and Paisley White. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, along with numerous cherished friends and extended family members.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Lucille “Mama Cile” Givens, and his sister, Annette Givens Picker.

Billy proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, where he trained as an Air Traffic Control Operator. He was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, Naval Air Station Sangley Point in the Philippines, and Udorn, Thailand, supporting critical military operations during the Vietnam era. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Airman Second Class and was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for his faithful and dedicated service. While stationed in the Philippines, Billy also flew as a pilot and survived a plane crash in the jungle, navigating his way back to base through an area occupied by headhunters. Following his military service, Billy continued to serve his country for forty years as a civilian with the United States Department of the Army. His distinguished career included fifteen years as a Journeyman Air Traffic Control Specialist and twenty-five years as a Journeyman Data Systems Specialist. He also served as an Aviation Advisor, assisting thousands of military and civilian aviators across the United States and abroad. His work supported critical operations throughout the Southeast and during the Vietnam War. In recognition of his professionalism, vast knowledge, and unwavering dedication to duty, Billy was awarded the Department of the Army’s Superior Civilian Service Award, one of the highest honors bestowed upon civilian employees. A man of strong faith, Billy was a devoted member of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church for 26 years, where he faithfully served as Church Treasurer for 16 years. His faith guided every aspect of his life, and he was known for his integrity, kindness, and steady presence. Billy was honored to travel to Manaus, Brazil, on a mission trip where he shared the Gospel. He lived out his beliefs daily through service to others and deep love for his family.

Earlier in life, Billy enjoyed many adventures, including his first job as a bus driver at age 17 for the Rehobeth School System, canoeing rivers in Canada, and touring Mexico with friends. He was an accomplished PADI Open Water Scuba Diver and a certified wreck diver. In retirement, Billy found joy in caring for his property with his backhoe, maintaining the pool, coordinating annual reunions for the Rehobeth High School Class of 1961, attending luncheons with former coworkers, and spending treasured time with his beloved wife and family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved pulling pranks on his wife and daughters. An intellectual at heart, he was known for completing the daily crossword in pen, all while enjoying his favorite cup of coffee.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church in Wicksburg, Alabama, with Brother Buddy Hood and Brother Allen Singley officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., preceding the service. Billy will be laid to rest with full military honors, reflecting a life well lived in faithful service to God, family, and country.

Pallbearers will be Josh Parnell, John Luke Parnell, Justin Parnell, Ed Parnell, Fulton Hamilton, and Eric Cope. Honorary Pallbearers will be Valen Parnell and the Rehobeth High School Class of 1961.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Gentiva Hospice staff for their compassionate care during Billy’s final days.

The family will be accepting flowers or donations in honor of Billy Givens to the Pilgrim Home Baptist Church Cornerstone Fund.