Dr. Billy G. Lightsey

Dr. Billy G. Lightsey, 87, beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend died Tuesday April 7, 2015 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel after an extended illness. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Memory Chapel with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. Dr. Mark Anderson will officiate. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Oliver and Idell Lightsey of Heidelberg; brothers Clifton Lightsey of Heidelberg, G.R. Lightsey of Grand Prairie, TX, Oliver Lightsey of Jackson, and Luther Lightsey of Laurel and sister Lurlene Coleman of Louisville. He is survived by his devoted, beloved wife of 65 years, Anna Sue Lightsey of Laurel. They were married November 26th, 1949 His daughter, Barbara Ann Lightsey of Atlanta, Ga and son, Steve Lightsey of Birmingham, Al with his wife Delora Lightsey lovingly remember Billy. He is survived by three grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Melanie Sue Curtis of Ft Payne, Al, Steven G. Lightsey Jr of Denver, Co and James M. Emerson of Brooklyn, NY and four great grandchildren: Jackson Green Lightsey, Alexis Curtis, Casey Curtis and Madelyn Curtis. Survivors also include his sister: Vivian Brashier of Heidelberg, nephews, Roy Brashier of Arlington, TX, Don Brashier of Heidelberg, Mike Coleman of Louisville, and Jerry Dale Lightsey of Grand Prairie, TX, nieces, Emma McFarland of Soso, and Freddie Kay Warren of Laurel. Billy was born September 16, 1927 in Heidelberg, MS. He graduated with honors from Heidelberg High School, served in the U.S. Army during WWII, earned an AA degree from Jones County Jr. College before attending Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN where he served as senior class president graduating in 1960. Billy returned to Laurel and served the public through the practice of optometry for forty-two years. He was also a member of the Mississippi Optometric Association and served as its president as well as serving on the board of the Southeastern Conference of Optometry. A distinguished civic leader, Dr. Lightsey dedicated his life to building and promoting civic organizations and was committed to community service. As a member of the Kiwanis club he served as president and also Lt. Governor. As a charter member of the Laurel Little Theater he directed a play and acted in several others. He was a member of the board of directors at Franklin United Methodist Church. In later years he moved his membership to First Methodist Church of Laurel. In 2001 Dr. Lightsey made the decision to retire from the practice of Optometry and continued to work part-time for several years at an optometry clinic in Hattiesburg. His hobbies included golfing, traveling, gardening, and enjoying the arts. He was an accomplished photographer sharing his photos from England, France, Spain, Greece, Switzerland and many other places with his patients while doing eye exams. During foreign travels he would combine his hobbies by taking pictures of beautiful gardens in far away places then bringing them home to those who may never experience those places. Billy’s love for gardening was evident among many friends when he shared baskets of produce or flowers with them. If you had the honor of knowing Billy, you knew him to be a man of integrity, honor, commitment and loyalty, as evidenced by the great number of friends who sought his advice and assistance in matters professional or personal. He shared with his daughter he felt closest to God when he was in his garden. However, the whole world appeared to be his garden for those whose knew him best. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of Laurel. Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Dr. Billy G. Lightsey

September 16, 1927 - April 7, 2015