BIlly was born March 12, 1932. He was a three sport athlete at Dekalb County High School. From 1947 – 1950 he lettered in football. He was captain of the team in 1949. He was All-County two years. He lettered for three years in basketball, served as captain in 1950. He was an All-County basketball player from 1949 – 1950. Billy was a member of the 1945 American Legion baseball team. He led his team to the North Alabama Championship. He played on the Fort Payne DeSotos baseball team from 1949 to 1957. He played football and basketball at the University of Chattanooga from 1950 to 1957 (he took two years off to serve in the Army). At UC he lettered four years in football. He served as captain for two years. He was selected best all-around athletic in 1953. In 1953, he was selected second-team Little All American. At UC Billy also played basketball, where he lettered four years. He was selected captain of the basketball team for two years.
