1945-2026
William “Billy” Horsley, Jr
12/3/1945 - 5/13/26
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Lord opened His arms and welcomed Billy home. Surrounded by his family, Billy peacefully made the transition into his Savior's arms at Kindred Hospital of Dayton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; William Horsley Sr and Irmgard (Sailer) Horsley; his youngest sister, Margria “Annie” Horsley; and their faithful feline friend, Irish. He is survived by his two sisters: Linda Evilsizor-Smith and Sandra (Bob) Ward. He was very much loved by his nieces and nephews: Mylinda “Mel” (Eric) Abraham-Powell, Roger “Thomas” Evilsizor, Rebecca “Becky” Hoelscher, and Melyssa “Missi” (Mike) Haire. He will be dearly missed by his family and close friends, including several of his neighbors who were as close as family.
He was a graduate of West Liberty Salem High School. He worked at Plastics Research Products, Liquid Carbonics, and Siemens, from where he retired. He was a resident of Otterbein Green Hills, where he made several very close friends.
Some people never fully discover the purpose for their life, but Billy fully understood his assignment! He dedicated most of his life to caring for his youngest sister, Annie, who endured a lifetime of chronic illnesses. Billy was the most selfless person one could ever hope to have the pleasure to meet! He consistently demonstrated the heart of our Father through his lifetime of service, patience, sacrifice, generosity, selflessness, grace, and unconditional love.
He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his life stories. He loved to enjoy a really good meal and then tell everyone about it; like when he enjoyed fish & chips at the World’s Fair in New York. Two of his favorite life highlights were his helicopter rides; one while at the World’s Fair and the other when he flew over “The Shoe” and the pilot tilted the chopper in order for Billy to have a better view. He loved that ride (even if it was a careflight). Billy enjoyed all Ohio sports teams, especially OSU basketball and football. He was a “tough old bird” who loved all things fast, and he enjoyed “laying the ears back” in fast cars. He loved spending time with family and talking on the phone for hours. He enjoyed cooking, EATING, camping, fishing, and traveling whenever he could. He loved the Ohio Caverns, and vacationing in Canada, Hocking Hills, Jekyll Island, and 43 annual vacations in Cherokee, North Carolina. But his greatest love was found in the Lord!! Billy studied his bible daily, and he would share his strong faith with everyone he possibly could. He was a good and faithful servant of our Father, and he will forever be missed by so many, until we meet again!!
Arrangements were entrusted to the Jones-Kenney-Zechman Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared online at www.jkzfh.com.
