Billy E. Christopher, 83, of Petros, died of cancer and heart complications late Thursday afternoon, January 4, 2018. He was in the Oak Ridge Methodist Medical Center, attended by his wife and their family. 

Billy Eugene Christopher was born in Devonia, Anderson County, TN on July 31, 1934. He graduated from Wartburg Central High School in 1951 and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After working in the Cleveland, Ohio area at Bedford Gear for four years, he and his wife Marilyn moved to Petros, and he worked in Oak Ridge at Y-12 and K-25 for 36 years. He taught the men's Sunday School class at Petros Baptist for over 50 years, led the choir for some 30 years, and has actively served as a deacon since 1976. Since retirement he has continued to serve Christ, his family, and community through practical labors of love and several avenues of music and teaching ministry, including Petros Baptist Church, Fork Mountain Baptist Church, the Rock Mission in Petros, and the Senior Citizens community centers in Petros, Coalfield, and Wartburg. 

He took his wife on several international trips, and like at home, with whomever he met, he was faithful to share encouragement with the love of Christ, wise biblical counsel, and skillful music. He finished well and fearlessly, demonstrating to the end his genuine humility and loving care for every family member, especially his beloved bride of over 59 years.

 Mr. Christopher is survived by his wife, Marilyn, Petros; son Billy Jr. (Shirley), Weaverville, NC, daughter, Penelope Bond (Ray), Paint Rock; son John (Jaime), Clinton; 12 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; brother, Benny Christopher, Middletown, OH; sister, Thelma Hartigan, Seymour; and sister, Wilma Valentine, Petros. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. W. J. and Eva Christopher, sisters, Mary Belle Christopher and Juanita Rankin, brother, Oliver, and grandson Gideon Bond.

 The family will receive friends Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM at First Baptist Church, Petros. Funeral services will follow at 12:00PM with Dr. Jim West and Dr. C.H. Christopher officiating.   Interment with military honors will be in the Robbins Cemetery off  Old Dutch Valley Rd in Clinton, TN.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Baptist Church, Petros. 421 Main Street, Petros, TN 37845.

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