Billy J.

Swyres

Billy John Swyres son of the late Wilbur Bill J Swyres and Elda Jane "Sally" Wells Swyres was born December 26, 1934 in Monette, AR. On April 19, 1952 he was united in marriage to Juanita "Mae" Hill in St Louis, MO.   To this union three children were born.  Bill was a carpenter in St Louis, MO until he was drafted into the Army. He served his two years and resumed his job as a carpenter, when he was drafted a second time. After this, Bill decided to make a career out of the Army. Bill became an officer and helicopter pilot and served for over 20 years. Bill served a tour in Vietnam and over the years was stationed in several places which include Korea, Alabama, Louisiana, Germany, Hawaii, Texas, and Colorado. Bill retired and returned to the family home in Ellington, MO.  Over the years, Bill volunteered his time to many causes such as the Reynolds County Museum, Ellington Nutrition Center, on several projects at Brawley Park, tutoring at the grade school, and the Ellington Chamber of Commerce selected him for Citizen of the Year.   Bill was a member of the Ellington United Methodist Church and was a 50 year member of Barnesville Masonic Lodge #353, where he served as tiler for over 20 years.  He was also a member of the VFW, a Shriner and a member of the Patriot Guard.  After the death of his wife, Bill was united in marriage to Shirley Haywood Justice on September 17, 2016 in Ellington, MO.   Bill and Shirley spent many happy years together travelling around the United States.  Billy passed away March 17, 2021 at his home in Ellington, MO surrounded by family.  Bill is preceded in death by his first wife, his parents, daughter-in-law, Frieda Lynn Swyres, one brother, Rocky Swyres. Bill is survived by his wife Shirley, his children, Laurie (David) Martin, Wayne (Betsy) Swyres, David (Abby) Swyres, brother Tom (Diane) Swyres, and sister-in-law Jan Merritt, eleven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill loved travelling and riding his motorcycle, and never met a stranger. Bill will be sadly missed by family, friends, and our community.

A service and celebration of life will be held April 24th, 2021 at 11:00 at the Ellington United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Reynolds County Museum, the Ellington Nutrition Center, the Methodist Church or Polk Cemetery. Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home of Ellington.