WATER VALLEY — Billy Leon Avant, 72, died Friday, May 27, 2016, at his home in Water Valley with his family by his side. He was born June 29, 1943, in Yalobusha County to the late Joseph and Mary Davis Avant. Billy served for a short period of time in the U.S. Army then went to work in the packing department of Motts Industries. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He was a member of Turkey Creek Baptist Church and enjoyed camping, fishing, spending time with family and friends, and helping others in any way he could.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 1, 2016, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2016, in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Brother Charles Fitts officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Crest Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Yalobusha County.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mildred Ray Avant of Water Valley; his daughter, Ashley Avant of Denver, Colorado; his son, Michael Avant of Water Valley; five sisters, Patsy Waldo, Nina Pendleton and Tommie Foster, all of Indiana, Linda Richards of Texas and Pat Cade of Water Valley; one brother, Clint Avant of Oxford; and four grandchildren, Zackary Michael Bright, Bradley Allen Avant, Christopher Lee Avant and Andrew Justin Avant.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jerry Riley, Brenda Avant, Betty Coleman and Beverly Davis; and one brother, James Alton Avant.