The Story of Billy Blue ~

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of our beloved father, son, brother and uncle. Born Willie Charles "Billy" Blue in Birmingham, Alabama to Willie Gray and Doris Jackson Blue on January 25, 1958. A spirited child, with an iron will, Billy's early education was entrusted to the Nuns at Saint Mary's Catholic School; he graduated from Jones Valley High School where he lettered in track and field and varsity football.
Billy was a talented athlete; he had extraordinary speed, agility, good hands and as a defensive back, he played the game with reckless abandon. His talent was noticed by many garnering him a football scholarship to Tennessee State University "TSU". Billy declared his years as a TSU Tiger the best time of his life. He proudly introduced himself as a freshman starter for Defensive Coach Joe Gilliam, the first freshman to start for Coach Gilliam in 27 years. He fondly remembered his sophomore year and the season he had with his defensive secondary teammates, Gregory Husband, Lannie Martin David Coleman, and Gerald Perry. He claimed that by mid-season, the TSU Tiger secondary unit was hailed as top-flight having allowed only 22 passes to be complete against it in 72 attempts. Billy held a variety of jobs during his adult life. Most notably, he work at ACIPCO and served as an assistant football coach at Mississippi Valley State University and Miles College. In addition to working as a landscaper and horticulturist in his later years, he played Santa Claus to children across Jefferson County. His most treasured role was, however, is annual appearance as Santa at the family Christmas Brunch and Christmas Eve Celebration. Billy also became known throughout the city as the "Candy Apple" man. He sold candy apples made in a variety of flavors and was well known for the Blue Candy Apple. Billy was baptized and reared in the A.M.E. Zion Church but later united with First Baptist Church Fairfield and was baptized by Reverend Robert G. Twyman. Billy transitioned from this
earthly life on October 25, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Gray Blue. Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Doris Jackson Blue; sister, Denise Blue (Michael) Poe; daughter, Ivory Flemister Reid; grandsons, Christopher and Jaylin Flemister Flood; granddaughter, Sarai N. Reid; nephew, Bryan Michael Poe; bonus nieces, Annjerald DeVance and Lisa (Eddie) Clark and bonus nephew, Michael (Tara) Poe, Jr. Also left to mourn his loss is his play daughter, Jar'quess Lomax, and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to First Baptist Church of Fairfield Scholarship Fund in memory of Willie C. Blue. Send to: First Baptist Church of Fairfield, 324 59th Street, Fairfield, AL 35064.

Memorial service will be held Friday November 6, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel.