It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Billy Joe Mobley passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, at the age of 79, with his daughter by his side.
Billy was born on February 10, 1946, in Crenshaw County, Alabama, and lived a life that quietly shone as a beacon of selflessness, kindness, and love. He was often described as a gentle giant, calm, patient, and steady, with a presence that made people feel safe and accepted. He was not a loud man, nor did he seek attention, but his kindness was unmistakable. If you were in his life, you were loved without condition and without judgment.
Billy proudly served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1992, including service aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War. Like many of his generation, he carried his service quietly. He rarely spoke about those years, but the discipline, humility, and sense of responsibility they shaped remained with him for the rest of his life. Service was not something Billy talked about. It was something he lived.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Billy continued his dedication to public service through his work with the United States Census Bureau. Titles and recognition never mattered to him. What mattered was showing up, doing the work, and contributing in a way that helped others.
Billy's life took him across the world. Through military service, he lived in the Philippines, Japan, and California before retiring in Pensacola, Florida, the place he considered home and where he was best known. In later years, he relocated to California to be closer to family.
Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Tsuneko "Yuko" Mobley, who passed away on October 12, 2015. They were married on October 31, 1969, in Japan, and shared 46 years of marriage. Their relationship, like many long marriages, was layered and real, shaped by time, endurance, and shared history. Though Yuko did not wish to have a memorial service at the time of her passing, her life and memory will be honored alongside Billy's. They will be laid to rest together.
Billy is survived by his daughter, Colleen Burton, and his son in law, Stephen Burton. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Launa (Madison, Florida), Steven (Nashville, Tennessee), and Tara (San Pedro, California), as well as four great grandchildren. He is also lovingly remembered by his bonus grandchildren, Carmen and Isaac, who held a special place in his heart. Billy's love for his family was constant and unwavering. He never judged, never pressured, and never withheld affection. His love was steady, quiet, and safe.
Billy studied environmental science, a reflection of his deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. He had a lifelong love for animals and treated them with the same gentleness he showed people. It brings comfort to know he is now reunited with all the animals he loved along the way.
He found joy in simple, familiar comforts. He loved crime shows like NCIS and Law & Order, enjoyed quiet evenings at home, and never turned down a slice of pecan pie, his favorite. His laugh was warm and unmistakable, often reminding people of Santa Claus, a comparison that fit him perfectly in both spirit and sound.
Billy Joe Mobley lived gently in a loud world. His legacy is not found in grand gestures or accolades, but in the countless lives he touched through quiet kindness, patience, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Services will be announced at a later date and will be held in Pensacola, Florida, with full military honors.
Family and friends are strongly encouraged to visit the online memorial wall attached to this obituary to share favorite memories and photos of Billy, helping preserve the moments and stories that meant the most to him and to those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider planting a memorial tree in Billy's honor, a living tribute to his love for nature and all living things.
Billy was born on February 10, 1946, in Crenshaw County, Alabama, and lived a life that quietly shone as a beacon of selflessness, kindness, and love. He was often described as a gentle giant, calm, patient, and steady, with a presence that made people feel safe and accepted. He was not a loud man, nor did he seek attention, but his kindness was unmistakable. If you were in his life, you were loved without condition and without judgment.
Billy proudly served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1992, including service aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War. Like many of his generation, he carried his service quietly. He rarely spoke about those years, but the discipline, humility, and sense of responsibility they shaped remained with him for the rest of his life. Service was not something Billy talked about. It was something he lived.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Billy continued his dedication to public service through his work with the United States Census Bureau. Titles and recognition never mattered to him. What mattered was showing up, doing the work, and contributing in a way that helped others.
Billy's life took him across the world. Through military service, he lived in the Philippines, Japan, and California before retiring in Pensacola, Florida, the place he considered home and where he was best known. In later years, he relocated to California to be closer to family.
Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Tsuneko "Yuko" Mobley, who passed away on October 12, 2015. They were married on October 31, 1969, in Japan, and shared 46 years of marriage. Their relationship, like many long marriages, was layered and real, shaped by time, endurance, and shared history. Though Yuko did not wish to have a memorial service at the time of her passing, her life and memory will be honored alongside Billy's. They will be laid to rest together.
Billy is survived by his daughter, Colleen Burton, and his son in law, Stephen Burton. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Launa (Madison, Florida), Steven (Nashville, Tennessee), and Tara (San Pedro, California), as well as four great grandchildren. He is also lovingly remembered by his bonus grandchildren, Carmen and Isaac, who held a special place in his heart. Billy's love for his family was constant and unwavering. He never judged, never pressured, and never withheld affection. His love was steady, quiet, and safe.
Billy studied environmental science, a reflection of his deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. He had a lifelong love for animals and treated them with the same gentleness he showed people. It brings comfort to know he is now reunited with all the animals he loved along the way.
He found joy in simple, familiar comforts. He loved crime shows like NCIS and Law & Order, enjoyed quiet evenings at home, and never turned down a slice of pecan pie, his favorite. His laugh was warm and unmistakable, often reminding people of Santa Claus, a comparison that fit him perfectly in both spirit and sound.
Billy Joe Mobley lived gently in a loud world. His legacy is not found in grand gestures or accolades, but in the countless lives he touched through quiet kindness, patience, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Services will be announced at a later date and will be held in Pensacola, Florida, with full military honors.
Family and friends are strongly encouraged to visit the online memorial wall attached to this obituary to share favorite memories and photos of Billy, helping preserve the moments and stories that meant the most to him and to those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider planting a memorial tree in Billy's honor, a living tribute to his love for nature and all living things.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Billy Joe Mobley, please visit our flower store.
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