Billy Joe Adkisson, 79, of Centralia, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at his home.
Visitation is on Saturday, May 22, from 9-11 a.m. at Arnold Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Jones officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Elmwood Cemetery. All attending are required to wear masks.
Billy Joe was born on April 2, 1942 in Clark, the son of Russell Lee and Etta Opal (Smith) Adkisson. On Nov. 3, 1963 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Molino, he married Martha Jane Weaver. She passed away on Aug. 22, 2019.
Mr. Adkisson enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from February 1962 to February 1966. He served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Frontier and was stationed in Hawaii, Long Beach, Calif. and San Diego, Calif..
In earlier years, Billy Joe was an avid hunter, especially enjoying hunting for deer, squirrel and rabbits. He loved fishing, camping and a good game of horseshoes. Later in life, he would visit his feeder and watch the squirrels and birds. Billy Joe really enjoyed eating his wife’s good cooking and he dearly loved his grandchildren.
Survivors include one daughter, Tracy Adkisson Williams of Mexico; two sons, Kevin Adkisson of Centralia and Darren (Amy) Adkisson of Los Angeles, California; six grandchildren, Josh Williams of Mexico, Hannah Adkisson of Columbia, Landon Adkisson of Centralia, and Vivienne, Ava and Aiden Adkisson, all of Los Angeles, Calif.; one sister, Bernice Kay (Jimmy) Shaw of Keytesville; and one sister-in-law, Peggy Adkisson of Centralia.
In addition to his wife, Martha Jane, Billy Joe was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marcy Jane Adkisson, who died on April 1, 1968; and one brother, Don Adkisson.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
