Mr. Billy Doolittle, age 91, of Oconee passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at his residence. A graveside funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, January 28th at 3:00 p.m. in the Bay Springs Methodist Church Cemetery of Oconee. Pastor Cathy Green, Pastor Randall Smith, and Mr. Chris Mayhew will officiate. Pallbearers will be James Byrd, Lamar Doolittle, Tony Mathis, Ron May, and Anthony Parker. Honorary Pallbearers will be Danny Anderson, David Anderson, Johnathan Bailey, Donald Barrow, Billy Brantley, Elijah Doolittle, Jimmy Doolittle, John Doolittle, Richie Doolittle, Shane Doolittle, Chris Mathis, and Tyler Mathis. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of the service Bay Springs Methodist Church Sanctuary.
Mr. Doolittle was a lifelong resident of Washington County, born in Tennille to the late William Elmer Doolittle and the late Hilda Brantley Doolittle. He proudly served his county in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Billy worked as a Quality Control Lab Supervisor at Thiele Kaolin Company and at Herb’s Fish Place in the 1970’s and 1980’s. In retirement, Mr. Doolittle and his wife cared for their grandchildren and could often be found dining at a local establishment for breakfast. He was a committed and faithful member of the Tabernacle United Methodist Church. Billy enjoyed farming, working with cattle, and watching westerns on television. Mr. Doolittle was regarded as a benevolent man who never met a stranger, was always willing to lead a helping hand, served as a caring husband and father, and devoted his life to Christ. Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Anderson Doolittle.
Survivors include his children, Eric Doolittle and wife Susan of Johns Creek, Gail Doolittle Knight of Oconee, and Leslie Ann Mathis of Sandersville; grandchildren, Megan Hunter and husband Leah, Elijah Doolittle and wife Belle, John Doolittle and wife Brianna, Richie Doolittle, Shane Doolittle, Tyler Mathis and wife Kaylan, Chris Mathis and wife Shelby Lyn; great-grandchildren, Joshua Mathis, Avery Mathis, Annie Doolittle, and Wyatt Doolittle; and siblings, Nell Parker of Sandersville and Bernard Doolittle and wife Faye of Sandersville.
Donations may be made to the Tabernacle United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 6491 Georgia Highway 24 West, Sandersville, Georgia 31082 or to the Bay Springs Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, Virginia McAfee, 2249 Georgia Highway 57 West, Wrightsville, Georgia 31096.
Online condolences may be made expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.