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: 03/11/2023
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