Billy Peace

(From Ozark Memorial Park Crematory)

Billy Lloyd Peace passed away peacefully the morning of June 11th at Webb City Health and Rehabilitation Center in Webb City, MO at the age of 75 where he had been a resident for many years following a stroke and additional disabilities.

Billy was born October 16,1948 to B. J. and Anna Mae (Rowles) Peace of Carthage, MO. Billy spent his growing up years at the family home in the Brooklyn Heights area near Carthage, MO. He graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1965. Billy and Dan Shoemake were buddies during their early young men years. Billy was married for a few years (Kathy) and a daughter, Tracy, was born.

Billy spent many boyhood summers visiting his Aunt Chris and Uncle Earl who owned a country store, and he would attend the two-week Vacation Bible School at Rondo Baptist Church, accompany Uncle Earl in his truck on hauling trips and help Aunt Chris keep store. He would spend a few nights staying with Uncle Edward and Aunt Anna on their farm.

After high school Billy spent hours of time inside and outside of cars trying to restore them. He worked for a short time at Hercules Powder Plant, but Billy was mainly a trader. He liked to talk to people and he enjoyed attending swap meets, car shows and gun shows. He looked forward to the Springfield Gun Show where he sometimes shared a booth. He would spend hours and miles combing the countryside for antique and collectible stores, Army surplus stores, or roadside garage sales. He had a collection of Alladin Lamps which he prized. He frequently visited family in Kansas, Texas and Missouri bringing some of his ‘finds’ with him.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents who died within months of each other in 1977 leaving Billy alone as a young man. Also preceding him in death were his grandparents Marion and Elizabeth Rowles, Uncle Edward Rowles (Anna), Aunts Susan Rowles, Christena Rowles Blackwell (Earl), Edna Rowles Shoemake (Dwight) and cousins Donald Shoemake (Joyce)and Douglas Shoemake.

Surviving Billy are his good friend and caretaker, Norman Rush, daughter Tracy Peace and cousins Patricia Blackwell Shoemake (Eddie), Maye Shoemake Gulley (Jim d.), Wanda Shoemake Taylor (George d.) and Geraldine Shoemake Hignight.

Cremation is under the direction of Ozark Memorial Crematory of Joplin, MO

All arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO.