Billy Lee Hovatter

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family, having also been preceded in death by five siblings: Elmer Hovatter, Claude Hovatter, Donald "Charlie" Hovatter, Gerald Hovatter and Betty Hovatter Bolyard; and a daughter.

Billy is survived by one son and three daughters, several grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his best friend and neighbor, Neil Wolfe.

Billy graduated from Fellowsville High School and then served his country honorably in the United States Army and was awarded the outstanding trainee medal at Fort Knox. He worked as an electrician and retired from the B&O Railroad. Billy was also an auctioneer and ran several bars over the years.

He loved all animals, was an avid WVU fan, and enjoyed his trips to Walmart riding the scooter and socializing with everyone. Billy was a good friend to many and was known as the "50 Cent man" because he gave out 50 cent pieces to those he befriended. He attended the Evansville Methodist Church and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Family and friends were received at the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home, 950 George Washington Hwy., Grafton, on Monday, Feb. 3.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m., with Pastor Mike Matlick presiding. Interment will follow at the WV National Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Taylor County Honor Guard and the WV Army National Guard of Camp Dawson.

Online condolences, www.donaldgfordfuneralhome.com. The Donald G. Ford Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hovatter Family during their time of need.