Born on November 15, 1945, and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Billy attended Englewood High School, worked at Maxwell House Coffee for 32 years and served in the Florida National Guard in the late 1960’s. Those are the facts of his life, but he was so much more to those who knew him … a beloved brother and uncle, a faithful friend, an accomplished wood carver, a believer in God and America, and a man who gave unselfishly of his time to anyone who needed it.
In the early ‘70’s, after failing at his own attempt, Billy took the required courses and became a certified volunteer for the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention Center of Jacksonville. He operated the phones throughout the night, changing the minds of those who felt they were unable to face another day of living. In the late 1970’s, when he realized his youngest brother was in a crisis situation himself, Billy took him into his bachelor home and became a pseudo parent for several years. In the late 1980’s, Billy was chosen to serve on a Federal Grand Jury that lasted over a year and found him flying to Washington, D.C. to hear testimony from a variety of witnesses. Typical of Billy, he would never reveal who or what was under investigation. “I took an oath,” he always said. His lifelong passion for motorcycles and NASCAR racing, and for friends who shared those enthusiasms, led him on numerous road trips with his fellow bikers throughout the United States.
Billy was predeceased by his father, William H. Pribble, Sr.; mother, Sara M. Sanderson; and two younger brothers, Thomas & Donald Pribble. He is survived by a sister, Mary Capo; several nieces and nephews, two of whom were exceptionally close to him (Teresa Murray and Melissa Pribble); his longstanding sweetheart and companion, Paula Brown; and countless friends who loved him and shared his life.
At his request, his remains will be cremated. A Service of Remembrance, with a reception following, will be held on Monday, July 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., in the Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, which are gratefully declined, a donation in Billy’s honor to your favorite charity is suggested. Some of Billy’s favorites included St. Jude Children’s Hospital, K-9s For Warriors, Jacksonville Humane Society, and The NASCAR Foundation. Later this year, Billy’s ashes will be returned to the earth at Joyful Meadows, his favorite place for over a decade of his final years.
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