Billy Mac Duckworth
(8/24/1958 – 10/9/2024)

Billy Mac Duckworth, born on August 24, 1958, to Billie and Jimmie Duckworth in Magee, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024. Billy grew up in Sanatorium, Mississippi, where his parents worked. His childhood resembled that of Mayberry, filled with friends, ball games, swimming, bike riding, and endless fun from dawn to dusk.

Billy attended Magee Public Schools, where he played baseball and was the manager of the Trojan football team. During high school, he met the love of his life, Betsye, and they married in 1976 after graduating. Together, they embarked on a full and busy life.

Billy attended Jones Junior College and later the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). In 1978, their son Matt was born, and the family moved frequently as Billy began his management career with ServiceMaster Corporation, working in hospitals throughout Mississippi. During his time with ServiceMaster, Billy won numerous awards and established a reputation for excellence. The family eventually settled in Clinton, Mississippi, where he continued his career with ServiceMaster of Jackson and Professional Building Services. The family grew again with the birth of their daughter, Jill.

Billy was a longtime member of Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, where he served his community and deepened his faith. He was baptized as a young man at Goodwater Baptist Church in Magee, Mississippi, which laid the foundation for his strong Christian faith.

Billy was deeply involved in his children's lives, especially through the Clinton Soccer, Baseball, and Softball Associations. He loved watching his kids participate in sports and served as an Attaché Booster Club parent, where he enjoyed building sets and supporting Matt and Jill's love for music and performing. Despite his busy schedule, Billy made time for his passions: hunting, fishing, golfing, and above all, supporting his beloved USM Golden Eagles.

He later purchased ServiceMaster of Meridian, where he worked until his retirement. Billy's kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family and friends made him one of a kind. He loved a good laugh, but more than anything, he loved the Lord and his family. Tailgating at USM games with friends and family was one of his favorite activities, and he especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, Campbell and Crew, whom he adored as their Papa.

In addition to his love for family, Billy was devoted to his two loyal dogs, Jessie and Gryff, who were always by his side. Though Billy faced physical health challenges throughout his life, he never let them diminish his spirit. He embraced life fully and continued to share his love and joy with others until the Lord called him home.

In a final act of generosity, Billy was able to donate his corneas through MORA (Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency), a contribution that was especially meaningful to him and his family. His mother had received a cornea transplant years ago, and organ donation was particularly important to Billy because his daughter-in-law, Suzanne Duckworth, worked for MORA for many years.

Billy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betsye; his daughter, Jill (Casey) Comfort; his daughter-in-law, Suzanne Duckworth; and his beloved grandchildren, Campbell and Crew Comfort. He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret (Johnny) Graham, Susan (Joe) Warren, and Linda (Jeff), along with a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Jimmie Duckworth, and his son, Matt Duckworth.

Pallbearers will be Casey Comfort, Lott Warren, Jude Graham, Jon Graham, Chase Powell, Patrick Dickson, Joey Beattie, and Alex Robertson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Newman, Hal Berry, John McLendon, Rodney Russell, Lynn Dubose, and Benjie Barham.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 2:30 PM at Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, Mississippi. Visitation will take place from 12:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Parkway Memorial Gardens in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall is in charge of arrangements. 601-847-4401

Billy Mac Duckworth will be remembered for his faith, love of family, and generous heart. His legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com