William E. “Billy” Friese of Rockport, West Virginia passed away while on active duty with the US Army at Camp Buehring, Kuwait on July 18, 2019. He was preceded in death by his biological father, William “Bill” A. Friese; maternal grandfather, Donald Vanoster and maternal grandmother; Anita May. Billy grew up in Rockport, on an old gravel road, hunting, catching crawdads, playing/fighting with his siblings and drinking grandma’s sweet tea. He was country and a little bit hillbilly, and proud of it. He loved his family and friends and served his country proudly. He had the biggest heart and saw the best in everybody. Billy was incredibly generous (sometimes too generous), and never met a stranger. He lived life out loud, in the moment, and good or bad, always meant the best. When Billy was around it was “Country Roads” and “Amazing Grace”. He loved to sing boldly and loudly. He did EVERYTHING boldly and loudly. He was unpredictable, brave and mischievous. He could make you laugh, make you happy, make you crazy. He was completely smitten with his bub, Christian and his princess, Sarah. Billy was a big, loveable goofball who will be fondly remembered and fiercely missed. Billy graduated from Parkersburg South High School in 2007 and earned an Occupational Associate Degree in Specialized Diesel Technology and Management from WyoTech in June 2013. He joined the West Virginia Army National Guard in 2008 with assignment to the 111th Engineer Brigade. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant during his 12 years of service and was deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to serve as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 821st Engineer Company. He was previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 with the 1092nd Engineer Battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sergeant Friese’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Star Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, West Virginia National Guard Emergency Services Ribbon with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, West Virginia National Guard State Service Ribbon with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the West Virginia National Guard Service Ribbon. Billy will be deeply missed by wife, Nattakarn “Tookta” Srimoung Friese; children, Christian Alan and Narissara “Sarah” Srimoung; mothers, Cathy Teehan and husband/stepfather, John, Cindy Jaworski and husband, Andre; father, Steve Ward; paternal grandparents, William “Bill” and Barbara Friese; maternal grandmother, Sandra Vanoster; siblings, Nathaniel Duvuvuei and wife, Maria, Orrin Duvuvuei and wife, Erin, Josh Ward, Kyle Ward, Ashley “Nikki” Morris and husband, Bobby, Kayla Lehan and husband, Ryan; nieces, Lillian, Cecelia, Abigail, Kinsey, Norah, and Bailey; nephew, Declan; special loved ones, Amber Lott and children, Wyatt, Hunter, and Maelyn Goodnight; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A gathering of family and friends will be from 2:00-4:00p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Parkersburg South Baptist Church, 1655 Blizzard Drive, Parkersburg, WV. The funeral service will be 11:00a.m. on Friday, August 2 also at the church with Ed Rogers officiating. The burial with Military honors will follow the service at Sunset Memory Gardens, Parkersburg. The online guestbook can be accessed at www.sunsetparkersburg.com
Sunset Funeral Home & Memory Gardens, Parkersburg is honored to be serving the family.
