Billy Earl McComas

Billy E. McComas, age 87, passed peacefully on February 20, 2025, at his home in Marysville after living more than six decades in Union County. He was born on April 20, 1937, as the fourth of seven children to Albertis and Leathy McComas in the coal mining community of Lillybrook, West Virginia.

Billy grew up during hard times in a hard place, but was a man defined by his soft heart and generosity. A gifted storyteller, he used entertaining and, at times, embellished narratives to teach, convince, correct, and encourage. He worked hard (for money) from the age of 15, operating a jackhammer to help build the West Virginia Turnpike, until he retired after 34 years at Parker-Hannifin in Green Camp, Ohio. He worked hard (for free) building his own home, taking meticulous care of everything God blessed him to own, and doing anything that made his wife happy or the lives of his children better.

Billy met his wife, Phyllis Pettrey, as a teenager and they married on March 10, 1956. They remained the center of each other’s lives for 41 years until she preceded him in death on May 8, 1997. Their marriage was beautiful and selfless. He eventually took her on an occasional vacation and listened to music she liked, but most of their time was spent taking care of each other and those they loved. Most importantly, they prayed together on an evening in the Spring of 1995, both placing their faith in Jesus Christ before being baptized at Calvary Baptist Church on Route 347. During the final weeks of Billy’s life, he found joy knowing he would soon hug Phyllis again.

Billy is survived by his three beloved children: Bill (Cindee) McComas of Marysville, Rebecca (Keith) Kirby of Centerville, and Jim (Paula) McComas of Marysville. He is also survived by his younger sister, Marcella Kelly of Ethel, West Virginia; his grandchildren Heather (Jeremy) Boggs, B.J. (Inez) McComas, Wade (Tara) McComas, Ashley (Justin) Henry, Kelsey (Ivan) Batista, Kyle (Paige) Kirby, Joshua (Robyn) McComas, Jon McComas, Brandan (Jacklyn) McComas, and Brookee (James) Harris; and 27 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 at Wilson Funeral Home in Marysville, immediately followed by a service at 5:00 in honor of Billy’s life.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Cancer Research Institute to honor Billy’s loved ones impacted by the disease.

(https://www.cancerresearch.org/ways-to-give/honor-someone-special)