Billy R. "Hillbilly" Swinney, 81, of Plainwell passed away Sept. 28, 2016, surrounded by his family at his home in Plainwell. He was born May 11, 1935, in Franklin County, Ala., the son of Austin and Irene (Thomas) Swinney.
Billy had worked at Coopers Foundry, Essex and had retired in 2000 from Hammond Machinery and Roto Finish. After his retirement he enjoyed doing masonry work, especially chimney repairs.
In his spare time he loved fishing, bingo, meeting his friends for coffee at Harding's, playing pool at the VFW and also enjoyed woodworking and making birdhouses for his family. Billy had a great sense of humor and loved his family very much.
In 1989, in Alabama, he married Marion Riley who survives. Also surviving are his son Jason (Kim) Swinney; step-son Greg Evink; nine grandchildren, Kristen, Jason "JR," Joseph, Ashley, Dillon, Lexie, Hunter, Lauren and Casey; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Payton; and his siblings, Birdy and Taff.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Betty, Alvin, Junior and WC.
Billy's family would like to thank Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan for their compassionate care and support.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be Saturday, Oct. 1, at 4 p.m. at Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. Celebrant Bill Rose will officiate. Burial of ashes will be at Mountain Home Cemetery at a later date.
Contributions in memory of Billy may be made to his family for expenses.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
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