On Friday, November 15, 2019, William Ballard Bess "Billy" loving husband and father of of our children, passed away at the age of 76.

Billy was born on January 18, 1943, in Greenup, Kentucky, a proud Appalachian, to William Daniel and Peoria Catherine Bess.  He graduated from Withrow High School in 1961, he held several jobs after finishing high school, but the job that he felt the most rewarding was being a Fire Fighter for the Cincinnati Fire Department, which he joined in 1974 and retired after serving twenty-five years in 1999, receiving numerous awards throughout his career.  The Union of William Sr and Catherine, bore six siblings, James, Bobby, Daryl, Sylvia, and Michael.  Billy was the eldest among the six.

Billy married his first wife Beverly Jean Barber on May 27, 1963, and from this union he had three daughters, Dorothy Jackson partner to his eldest daughter Dawn Yvette (who preceded him in death), Damon Yvelle and Dionne Yallon.

Billy married his beloved second wife Theresa Ann Gaither on October 15, 1988 and from this union he became the step-father to Theresa's daughter, Cindy Gaither-Wesley.  Billy and Theresa were not only a great couple they were best friends.

Billy loved life, loved his family, meeting people, and was a great conversationalist and made everyone around feel like they were one of the family.  He loved to joke and was the life of the party.  Billy was admired not only by friends and family, but also by all who knew him.   Family and music were his great passions.  He was known for his quick wit, his infections smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.

Billy was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Dawn Bess. He is survived by his wife Theresa Bess, three daughters, Damon Bess, Dionne Bess, and Cindy Gaither-Wesley; four grandsons who he truly adored, De'Andre, Andre, Arman, and Avionne, and a great-grandson, Brayden, and  his youngest brother, Daryl Bess.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2019, from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m., at Receptions of Fairfield, 5975 Boymel Drive, Fairfield, Ohio 45014.

Billy's favorite saying was "Dance like nobody's watching".  His legacy will carry on and he will always be fondly remembered.

To share a memory of William  or leave a special message for the Bess family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  is honored to serve the  Bess family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.