Billy Keith Ply

Billy Keith Ply, age 62, of Flippin was called home Wednesday, April 3, 2013 He left the game of life at his home, resting comfortably, surround by his family. Billy was born May 21, 1950 in Gassville, Arkansas to Willie and Geneva (Wood) Ply. Billy was a member of the Pyatt Pirates 1968 State Basketball championship team He was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country briefly at the end of the Vietnam War and returned home to have a lifelong career at Ranger Boats. After dedicating his whole life to coaching youth sports and officiating Arkansas sporting events, he was inducted into the Arkansas Officials' Association Hall of Fame in 2010. Billy is survived by his mother, Geneva Rose, of Pyatt, Arkansas; his wife, Debbie, of Flippin, Arkansas; two sons: Shawn Ply and his wife, Leslie, of Joplin, Missouri; and B.J. Ply of Pyatt, Arkansas; two daughters: Tisha Lowery Jones, of Mountain Home; and Katie Ply of Flippin, Arkansas; his brother, Scottie Rose of Pyatt, Arkansas; and five grandchildren: Karli Jones, Tristan Jones, Kelby Ply, Alec White, and Ashton Higgins. He was preceded in death by his father, and two brothers: Hobert and Jimmy. Visitation for Mr. Ply will be Friday, April 5, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas. Funeral service will be Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Bruno-Pyatt School Gymnasium with Bro. Doug Huskey officiating. Interment will follow at Patton Cemetery near Pyatt. Pallbearers will be Jerry Brown, Don Crigler, Kenny Saylors, Bill Harris, Jack Yancey, and Larry Rhodes. Honorary pallbearers will be all the coaches and officials of the Arkansas Activities Association. Memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice, 215 W. Chestnut, Harrison, Ark. 72601. For online condolences go to www.haburns.com.