William Preston Blythe

Mr. William Preston “Billy” Blythe, 79, of Buena Vista, GA, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Brantley Church Cemetery with Rev. David Chapman officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be David Byrd, Sr., Todd Lightner, Jesse Mills, Chase Lightner, David Byrd, Jr., and Dakota Mills. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Hendricks, Chris Spann, Ricky Maxwell, and Chad Childs. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Way-Watson Funeral Home in Buena Vista, GA, from 6:00-8:00PM.

Mr. Blythe was born on December 26, 1945, in Buena Vista, GA, to Glynn and Louise Phillips Blythe. A homebody, he enjoyed being on his tractor at home on Blythe Hill. Mr. Blythe loved spending time with his family and looked forward to his weekly visits from his girls. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and tending to his Dobermans. Mr. Blythe thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Carol’s biscuits, and he was the love of her life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Wendell Gillis, and by a first cousin, Butch McMickle.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Blythe of Buena Vista, GA; by three daughters, Brenda and David Byrd, Sr.; Christy and Todd Lightner, all of Ellaville, GA; and Jennifer and Jesse Mills of Warner Robins, GA; a sister, Shirley Wood of Barnesville, GA; six grandchildren, Chase Lightner, David and Joanna Byrd, Jr., Brittany and Trevor Vanzant, Dakota and Mariah Mills, Brooke and Ivan Mills and Emma Mills; ten great-grandchildren, Carson, Tyler, Desiree, Hazel, Bentley, Olivia, David III, Averie, Elena, and Palmer; and his first cousin, Bobby Blythe.

Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 700 Brookstone Centre Pkwy #100, Columbus, GA 31904.

Way-Watson Funeral Home of Buena Vista, GA, has been entrusted with the arrangements.