Billy C. Pelfrey

Billy Clarence Pelfrey, 71 died in his home after a sudden decline in health due to a 12 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born August 25, 1949 in Rockwood Chamberlain Memorial Hospital to Clarence W. Pelfrey and Mable Clara (Hall) Pelfrey. Billy graduated Harriman High School in 1969. Following graduation, he joined the USMC and was deployed to Vietnam in 1969. While serving in the Marine Corps he was awarded The Navy Commendation Medal as a Lance Corporal in 1st Battalion, 5th Marine, 1st Marine Division in connection with combat operation against the enemy in the republic of Vietnam from august 7, 1969 to August 7, 1970. After returning home he took welding at the Tennessee Technology Center in Harriman and gained employment as a welder. He was employed at different position at Union Carbine (Martin Marrieta, Bechtel Jacobs) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1973 and worked until his retirement in 2012. After the death of his mother in 1972, Billy returned home to take custody and raise his youngest brother, Thomas Henry Pelfrey, which led to a very successful career in the United States Air Force. Billy was a faithful member of the DAV and an avid UT fan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his half-sister, Betty Ann (Rumfield) Albert of Morristown, Tennessee. Billy is survived by his wife of 39 years, Deborah (Givens) Pelfrey; daughter Sherri Renee (Pelfrey) Gilmore, son William Austin Pelfrey (wife Tisha Kirby) of Sparta, TN and 3 special grandchildren; Nicholas Pelfrey, Harper Pelfrey, and Liam Pelfrey. He is also survived by his brother John E. Pelfrey (wife Dawn) of Leavenworth Kansas; sister Martha J. Pelfrey and boys Mike, Braedon, and Broc Pelfrey of Maryville. Brother Thomas H. Pelfrey of Waddell, Arizona, nieces Alexis and Jamie Pelfrey of Kansas and brother-in-law Leroy Albert and Sheila Albert of Morristown, Tennessee; nephews John Allen Pelfrey (wife Brittany) of Georgia, Josh Coffee (wife Jessica) of Rockwood, Michael Kellom and Joey Kellom of Florida. Brother in law Greg Givens, sister-in-law Vonda Oran and husband Glen Oran as well as a host of other family and very special friends. A service of remembrance was held at the Kyker Funeral Home in Harriman with the burial following in Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood, TN.

Billy C. Pelfrey

August 25, 1949 - December 30, 2020