Billy McWilliams

Billy Tyrone McWilliams, 38, of Moreno Valley, California, passed away of heart failure on Friday, February 5, 2021. 

Billy was born in Los Angeles, CA, June 29, 1982, to Ernest W. McWilliams and Dennise Monica Malone. He grew up in Riverside, CA, under the loving care of his grandmother, Beulah Mae McWilliams. 

He later would make his home in St. Louis, Missouri, with his mother, Dennise, brother, Wayne Jr., and sister, Shirley. Billy was raised in church, where he sang to the Glory God at the tender age of 9 and later gave his life to Christ.

Billy was committed to his family and friends in a way that could only be described as him being a protector, a devoted son, brother, and grandson. He was born with a soldier’s spirit and was unpretentious in his courage when faced with life’s challenges; in fact, his very name meant protector. 

He had the natural ability to make those around him feel secure and confident while in his presence; he made them know this without saying it. He was a source of pride and empowerment. Even though his family was spread across the country, he bonded everyone together. It was as if he was the joint or the backbone that held the body of family members together. Even in times of disagreements or disputes, his love for them was unconditional and indispensable.

Billy was not perfect, but his love for children contrasted those imperfections. The love he had for them was pure and incorruptible. His laughter with them was genuine and he always made time for them when they sought his attention.

Billy is survived by his son, Tylon McWilliams; his mother, Dennise Malone of Sullivan, MO; his father, Ernest McWilliams of Los Angeles, CA; his grandmother, Beulah McWilliams; his grandfather, Earnest Lee McWilliams; two brothers, Ernest Wayne McWilliams Jr. of Sullivan, MO, and Rico McWilliams of Cincinnati, OH; and a sister, Shirley Madrid of Sullivan, MO.

He was preceded in death by his uncles: Ervin McWilliams, John Williams and Walter Stone.

Funeral services were held 7 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO, with Pastor John Blackmore officiating. Cremation arrangements followed. For those not able to attend the service in person, it was livestreamed via Facebook at www.facebook.com/eatonfuneralhome beginning at 7 p.m.

Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, prior to the funeral service at Eaton Funeral Home. 

Friends may send online condolences to Billy’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.