Mr. Billy L. LeGree

Mr. Billy Levi LeGree of Tampa, Florida, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of West Tampa, 1302 N. Willow Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 33607 with Rev. Dr. Rayford Harper, Officiating. Interment is to be held on Monday, November 4, 2024, 11:30 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513.

Billy Levi LeGree was educated in the Hillsborough County Public School System and graduated from Howard W. Blake High School, Class of 1966. Following graduation, Billy enlisted in the United States Army where he served honorably, as a Sharpshooter in the Vietnam War.

Billy retired from CSX Railroad after serving 29 years in the mechanical department where he built, inspected, and repaired freight cars and locomotives. In addition to his employment, Billy was the owner of the LeGree Burglary Bar Company, where he handcrafted the best home security bars in the Tampa Bay area. After he retired, Billy found great joy in spending time with family and friends. He loved sharing stories, laughter, and watching television, treasuring the simple moments together. Outside of this, he was deeply passionate about motorcycles, and had a lifelong love of martial arts, dedicating himself to the discipline and skill of the craft.

Billy was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of West Tampa, where he was ordained as a deacon. His love for his church family was evident in his active participation in various roles. He enjoyed serving, and took great pride in being a part of the finance team, Brotherhood Ministry, and the Male Chorus.

Billy will always be remembered for his infectious smile and remarkable sense of humor. Known to many as a gentle giant, he had a way of brightening the lives of those around him. His signature handshake, which ended with a distinctive snap, became a memorable part of his presence, a symbol of the warmth and camaraderie he shared with everyone he met. Billy’s kindness, laughter, and unique charm will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Billy leaves to cherish his memories: a loving wife of 47 years, Margaret LeGree; daughter, Kimberly LeGree-Hymes (Van Eric) of Wesley Chapel, FL; son, James Garcia; granddaughter, Jasmine Hymes; sister, Yvonne Boston; brother-in-law, James Smith (Donnie) of Hueytown, Alabama; sisters-in-law, Barbara Jackson (Joe) of Washington, D.C., and Breneda Long of Birmingham, Alabama; special cousins, Rev. Andrew “Buddy” Sampson (Marie), Teresa Robinson (Derrick); Arthur Tomlinson (Helen); Patricia Ball (Charlie), Gayle Flowers, the Twiggs family, Bell family, Carrington family, Miller family, Cox family, McDaniel family, and Twelve Oaks family; and a host of extended family members and friends. 

A Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com 
 

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