William Mann

William “Billy” Conner Mann, 85, passed away with peace and grace on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Pine Pointe Hospice. A Celebration of His Life will be held on Monday, April 17 at 11:00 AM at Forest Hills United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery in Pineview, Georgia. The family will greet friends at 10 AM on Monday at the church. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 1217 Forest Hill Road, 31210.

Billy was born in Pineview, Georgia to the late William D. and Vera Mae Conner Mann. His mother died shortly after his birth, at which time a host of loving aunts stepped in to dote on him and help his dad with his care. At age 6, WD married Mary Elizabeth Conner, an amazing woman, and she loved Billy as her own. Billy grew into a fun loving and popular student. At Pineview High School, he played basketball and won awards for his record breaking speed and sportsmanship.

Billy worked in his father’s General Store in Pineview, where folks came into the store just to talk to him and see his smile. He is remembered in Pineview as helpful, kind and likeable. Talking to Billy was always a pleasurable time.

Billy attended Georgia Military College. He joined the National Guard and served 8 years. Billy was employed at Robins Air Force Base and worked in the procurement office with F15’s. He was also presented an award from a 4 star General for financial savings and sound decision making for the government. He retired in 1989.

Billy was a faithful member of Forest Hills United Methodist Church and the Chapman and Faithful Friends Sunday School Class. He represented Forest Hills Church at the South Georgia Methodist Conference for many years. Billy was a former member of the “Good Timers”, the Methodist Men’s Club and Habitat for Humanity. He served his church and his brothers and sisters in Christ on countless other committees such as the church finance committee and the church property committee. Billy was a member of the Exchange Club of Macon and Masonic Lodge. He was active with the Georgia State Fair. Billy was a member of a woodworking group and a men’s group that met early mornings for breakfast at the Krystal. Billy enjoyed his friends.

Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He was thoughtful and caring in his gift giving to his daughters and grandchildren. Billy loved his family with a deep and sincere love. He showed that love every single day and prayed for each of them every single day.

Billy Mann lived his life as an example to all of us who knew him. He loved his Lord and Savior, and he loved his neighbor as himself. He pretty much did anything for anyone, all the time with a smile and a giving heart. He was humble and kind. He was patient. He was strong. And most evident to all who knew him, Billy was a giver. During the wheelchair bound years at the end of his life he continued giving us all so much. Simply being with Billy was a blessing.

Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 62 years, Jacquelyn Chapman Mann; daughters, Carol Mann Self (Christian) of John’s Creek and Kathy Mann Barrow (Blake) of Marietta; grandsons, Jake (Courtney) Barrow and Brett Barrow; and great-granddaughters, Ryleigh and Reagan Barrow; brother, David Mann (Jill); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.