William J. "Billy Joe" Rish

From Childhood until He was received into God's Heavenly Throne,I knew Billy Joe.. He and my husband were devoted and Beloved friends.Tom is in deep mourning and his throughts and reflections of Bill goes way back.He worked for Billy Joe for many years until his own failing health.Through the years,they became deep and abiding friends and Tommie maintains a deep and affectionete love for Bill's entire family..they know this...as I also do.He never met a stranger.. to Bill..A stranger was a...

Carol, Billy Joe was such a leader in the House of Representives. It was a privlidge to serve with Him. He was the kind of person that when he took a stand on an issue, he kept his word. As a House Member from Central Florida, I watched him take the lead on controversial issues. Billy Joe was patient, understanding, and an asset to the House. The days we shared in Tallahassee will long be remembered. May each day be a blessing to you and you faimly, knowing that you shared a life with a...

Dear Carol,

Mike and I send our deepest, heart-felt and prayerful thoughts during your time of loss.

We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers during the coming days.

I know that you love and trust the Lord and we all know that only through Him will we find the comfort that we need.

Thoughtfully and prayerfully!

Many years ago, as a reporter for the Panama City News-Herald, I interviewed Mr. Rish on several occasions. What a raconteur! But also, what a man with a big heart. My favorite interview with him was about a camp he sponsored for disabled children in Port St. Joe; his sincerity and compassion shown through.

Rest easy, Billy Joe

Carol, we send all our prayers and love to you Cathy and Jay. We will truly miss Mr. Billy Joe he's a great man and have always treated our family ( Eartha Shackelford) and many others with much love and help at all times. Port St Joe has truly lost a very great lawyer and friend. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and will be praying for you as you have done for our family during the lost of our mom. We know he's in a better place now no more suffering or pain he's now...

Our heart felt sympathy to the family. Billy Joe was a long time friend of mine.

Carol, we send all our prayers and love to you and the two children. We will truly miss Mr. Billy Joe he's a great man and have always treated our family ( Eartha Shackelford) with much love and help at all times. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and will be praying for you as you have done for our family during the lost of our mom. We know he's in a better place now no more suffering or pain. God bless you as you go through this time.

Billy Joe won my respect and the respect of all those who knew him. He was a positive influence on us all as we grew up. And... he was a funny guy!

My sincere best wishes to all his family and friends. J D Putnam

My sympathy gors out to Billy Joe's family, he was an outstanding person. During his service in the Florida Legislature he was my representative from Calhoun County.
Former Congresman Don Fuqua