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Billy Gene Bickerstaff, 70, of Anniston, Alabama, abruptly and unexpectedly passed away on November 30th. He was born on September 5, 1955, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Clara and Dolton Bickerstaff. As a youth, he was a member of the 1968 Tennessee Dixie Youth baseball team that won the state championship and advanced to the World Series in Florida. He continued his athletic success in high school, playing on baseball teams that won back-to-back All American League World Series Championships in 1971 and 1972. He attended Beech Bluff School from first through twelfth grade, where he lettered in both baseball and basketball and graduated third in his class. Billy graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1977 with a degree in Psychology. He later received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Jacksonville State University in 1980. He completed ROTC and was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. Following quartermaster training at Fort Lee, Virginia, he received his first posting at the Anniston Army Depot. After three years of active-duty service, he transitioned to a civilian role at the Depot under a special act of Congressional authorization, rising to hold multiple director positions, including in resource management and maintenance operations. Billy also served in the Alabama Military Department, where he achieved the rank of Major, and later in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military service included participation in efforts related to the implementation of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, which facilitated the transfer of the Panama Canal from U.S. control to Panama as a neutral, internationally operated waterway. He married his high school sweetheart, Vicki, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Billy was deeply involved in the lives of his two sons, coaching their little league baseball and basketball teams and remaining active in the community throughout their upbringing. He is survived by his wife, Vicki; their two sons, Blake (Rebecca) and Benjamin (Sarah Katherine); and three grandchildren, Brylan, Marley, and Brewer Bickerstaff. He is also survived by his sister, Lee Ann Webb, and brother, Larry Bickerstaff. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and Dolton Bickerstaff. In retirement, Billy enjoyed home projects, traveling to the family’s beach house, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and a member of Pine Hill Country Club. He remained active in his church, His Word Global Methodist, where he recently contributed to renovation efforts. He also loved watching sports with his sons, especially cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at His Word Global Methodist Church, followed by a short memorial service beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 6th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or to His Word Global Methodist Church. Church address: 213 Choccolocco Street, Oxford, AL 36203

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Mr. Billy Gene Bickerstaff

September 5, 1955 - November 30, 2025