William "Billy" M. DeMott Jr.

William M. (Billy) DeMott Jr. (81) entered the kingdom of heaven on December 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents William DeMott and Marie Reese DeMott and his brother Randy DeMott. Billy is survived by his wife Ellen, his daughter Jannie Camper (Chip), his son Jason, granddaughter Lila, brothers Ray DeMott (Paula), John DeMott (Becky Payne), sister Kitty Minter, and seven nieces and nephews. Billy worked hard to make sure his family had all that was needed. He worked at Southern Processing Tobacco Company and retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company after 32 years. A headline in the local newspaper about Billy stated, “Ringgold Firefighter Lives to Serve Others.” And that he did. He was a veteran of the military and an active member of the Ringgold Fire and Rescue Department for over 53 years. During this time routinely ran between 400-600 calls per year. He received a multitude of awards including The A.C. Neal Award, The Chief’s Award, The EMT Award, and The Fireman of the Year Award. He served on the Board of Directors of the fire department for over 35 years and this December was made an honorary member of the board for life- the first firefighter to ever receive this award. Billy loved God and his church. He was an active member of Ringgold Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. The Dan River Ruritan Club named him Citizen of the Year in 2018. Billy was an avid sport fan who loved Duke basketball and Washington football. He not only loved watching his granddaughter play volleyball and softball, but also was part of his church softball team which won five consecutive championships. Billy had a passion for his farm and gardening. He loved to give away vegetables he had grown to family, friends, and neighbors. Billy’s warm nature, kind heart, and outgoing personality always made people feel special. He will be missed by all. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 29 from 5-7 P.M. at his residence, a viewing will take place from 12:30- 2:00 PM at Ringgold Baptist Church on Saturday, December 30. A service will follow at 2:00 P.M. Interment will take place at Highland Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department, Ringgold Baptist Church or give the gift of life with a blood donation. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is serving the DeMott family.

William "Billy" M. DeMott Jr.

October 14, 1942 - December 27, 2023