William Bess II

William "Billy" Hansford Bess II died Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief illness. His sisters, Jane and Margaret, cared for Billy before he was transferred by helicopter on Aug. 3 from Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau to Vanderbilt Hospital.

Billy was born Nov. 12, 1956, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Alvin Hansford and LaVonne Lewis Bess. He grew up in Poplar Bluff and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1975. Billy played lineman on the football team. During the rivaled Poplar Bluff versus Sikeston, Missouri, football game his senior year, he rallied his teammates to victory by breaking a board with a karate kick on the sidelines. Billy graduated with a business degree in 1979 from Southeast Missouri State University, where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. Throughout his life, he remained close to the Poplar Bluff community and his beloved class of 1975 friends.

Billy was baptized at First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. He worshiped at Mount Auburn Christian Church in Cape Girardeau, where he played the part of the Shepard in their annual Christmas play.

Billy worked in his family business, Bluff City Beer Company, for 35 years. As part of his duties, he lived in Kennett, Bonne Terre and Herculaneum, Missouri, before settling in Jackson in 1992. Billy made many friends in each community and appreciated the different qualities of each area. He served on the board and as president of the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association.

Billy played a vital role in his family's business, but it would be remiss to limit his life story to the chapter on the beer business. Billy could master any task that piqued his interest. He once took first place in a hog-calling contest and would demonstrate if you were skeptical. Billy was a black belt in karate. He was a great dancer and could be the life of the party. He had great comedic timing and could nail the punchline of a good joke. Billy was blessed with a keen memory and could discuss intricate facts on World War II battles. He was fascinated and disillusioned by politics in equal measure.

Billy became interested in the art of barbecue and studied to become a Memphis in May qualified barbecue contest juror. Billy had a secret recipe for barbecue rub that, alas, he has taken to the grave. Billy was an avid outdoorsman. His birthday fell during deer season, and he enjoyed hunting with his cousins at the Sites family farm in Blackwater, Missouri. Billy was an exceptional cook and loved to entertain his family in his home.

Billy loved fast, well-engineered vehicles and collected motorcycles and Ford Mustangs. In retirement, he started a commercial pyrotechnic business and was mastering synchronizing music with fireworks the week that he fell ill. However, what will be remembered most about Billy was his generous spirit and his robust, infectious laugh that could fill a room and draw everyone to his side to join in the fun.

Billy is survived by his sisters, Kelley (Mike) Innes of Poplar Bluff, Jane Ellen (Bruce) Powell of Jackson and Margaret Ann (David) Guettermann of Millersville. He enjoyed and lavished attention on his nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his beloved companions, Tipsy, Cash and Doodle Bug.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin H. and LaVonne Lewis Bess.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home on Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will immediately follow, and Billy's brother-in-law, the Rev. Bruce Powell, will officiate.

A second visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Fitch Hillis Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff.

Funeral service will immediately follow with Billy's cousin, the Rev. John Harwell, officiating. Interment will be in the family plot at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to the Joda William Bess Scholarship at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff.

Fitch Hillis Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff is in charge of arrangements.