Obituaries
Billy Ross Belyeu
Funeral service for Mr. Billy Ross Belyeu was held September 30, 2024, at Tillman Mortuary in Riverside, Calif. Interment followed at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn in Riverside, Calif.
Billy Ross Belyeu was born on November 21, 1940, in Coosa County to beloved Lawrence and Bessie (Hill) Belyeu. He was the seventh sibling out of ten children, nine brothers (one deceased during birth) and one sister.
Billy attended Coosa County Training School in Cottage Grove. At an early age he accepted Christ in his life and attended New Style Baptist Church. As the years went by, he realized he had unique skills. Billy enjoyed living a southern lifestyle. He grew up learning and understanding the value of working and helping with his parents’ community transportation business. Billy drove the family school bus transporting children to the local schoolhouse, planting crops, caring for the farm animals, and other assigned chores. He was always willing to help others. He was a leader, not a follower.
He shared a life of so many blessed gifts and talents, from singing to repairing broken items and solving mechanical problems. Billy became a part of an inspirational musical group in his local town, and his unique singing voice was heard all over the community. Billy had so many musical career opportunities but chose to become a family man and raise children.
On February 21, 1960, Billy married the beloved LuePhenia (Goggans) Belyeu in Cottage Grove. In this marriage six children were born, three boys and three girls. In 1963 they relocated from Alabama to California, and a new life began.
Billy stood as a determined man caring for and meeting his family’s everyday needs. In early 1960 he operated a gas station, and from there he became an automobile and diesel mechanic with several global corporations. He worked for Greyhound, Times D.C. Inc., Delta Airlines, Ryder Trucking, Pepsi Cola, and Stevedoring Services.
After the passing away of Billy’s first wife of 32 years, he made a unity connection with Eltezer (Tish) Golden on October 4, 1994. This new beginning as husband and wife created a blessed life together. In this unity there were no children. They enjoyed traveling and exploring the world, spending time laughing and having fun with Billy’s children, grandchildren and their precious pet dogs. In 2005 Billy retired from Stevedoring Services in Long Beach, California. After retiring he spent time cooking, fishing and watching the Amos and Andy show.
Billy departed his earthly home, going to his heavenly home on September 13, 2024, with his devoted wife, Tish, of 30 years never leaving his side.
Billy was preceded in death by his father and mother; former wife, the late LuePhenia (Goggans) Belyeu; oldest daughter, Phenia Mae (Belyeu) Wagner; one sister, Lavern Mitchell; five brothers, Willie Belyeu, Chester Belyeu, George Belyeu, and James Belyeu.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted and loving wife, Eltezer (Golden) Belyeu of Norco, Calif.; two daughters, Melandy (Belyeu) Johnson of Cypress, Texas, and Diane Belyeu of Los Angeles, Calif.; three sons, Jerold L. Belyeu of Corpus Christi, Texas, Roland Belyeu of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Dewayne Belyeu of Norco, Calif.; two daughters-in-law, Laraine Belyeu and Gwendolyn Kennard of Corpus Christi; two sons-in-law, Bobby Wagner Sr. of Riverside, Calif., and Dwayne Johnson of Cypress, Texas; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He also leaves to cherish two brothers, Harold (Sharon) Belyeu of Atlanta, Ga., and Jerold (Trina) Belyeu of Murietta, Calif.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends.
