More detail on this person: Billy Douglas Felker, of Chattanooga, died on Sunday morning February
2, 2014.
Billy was born Feb. 24, 1942, in Kentucky and was raised on a farm. He remembered looking up to the
sky one day and saw an airplane, which set the path for his future. He studied hard, graduated from
the University of Kentucky, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.
He graduated from the infantry officer's basic course and was selected for flight training. Upon
completion of flight school, Billy served a tour in Vietnam flying UH-1 "Huey" helicopters. For his
bravery, he earned several Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Following his service the U.S. Army, Mr. Felker had a very successful career in corporate aviation
flying for companies including Provident Life Insurance Company and Krystal Company as well as
private individuals.
He traveled the world and his wife was very fortunate being able to travel some with him. He was an
avid sportsman and a devoted Kentucky Basketball fan.
Billy was also very active in many organizations. He was a deacon and a member of Ridgedale Baptist
Church and the Servants Sunday School Class. He was a member of Sunnyside #359, OES, was a
past Master of Brainerd Lodge #736, Alhambra Shrine, QB's, Soujourners, Heroes of 76, and Vietnam
helicopter pilots.
Billy was an excellent role model, teacher, coach and mentor. He has touched many, many lives and is
loved and will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Ella Mae Felker and a brother and sister.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Susan Felker; daughters, DeReese (Peter) Goshorn and Amy
(Dr. Hunter) Norris and their families; a very special uncle, Lawson Felker; and several nieces and
nephews.
Special thanks goes to his wonderful team of doctors for their care during his 18-month battle with
brain cancer.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 1 p.m. in the East Brainerd Chapel with Dr.
Bill Owens, Dr. Doug Plumlee, and Reverend Larry Williams
officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors provided by
the VVA-203. The Servants Sunday School Class will serve as
honorary pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Monday, Feb. 3, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Masonic
service will follow the visitation by the Brainerd Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church Building Fund,
the Brainerd Lodge #736 Carpet Fund, the Wounded Warriors or Wreaths Across America.
Burial information: Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024
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