William ‘Billy’ Aiken (6-2-12)

HULL - William G. Aiken “Billy”, 76, died Saturday, June 2, 2012.

He was born in Clarke County on February 12, 1936, the son of the late Lois and Walter Aiken. He was preceded in death by a son, David Aiken.

He graduated from Winterville High School and served four years in the United States Air Force where he earned the rank of Airman First Class. He was stationed in Texas, California, Alaska, and Virginia. After his discharge he was employed by Smith-Boley-Brown, Inc. in Athens, for 50 years, beginning as a salesman and retiring as President/Chairman of the Board.

Billy accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined Hull Baptist Church. During his life, he served Hull Baptist Church in many capacities including Deacon, Deacon Chairman, Sunday School Superintendent, Training Union Director, and Outreach Leader. He was a dedicated Christian, always serving in some way.

Billy married his high school sweetheart, Darleen Tucker Aiken. They were married 54 years. He enjoyed camping with family and friends, fishing, and traveling. He traveled to most of the states and to several countries including Israel, where he enjoyed visiting the sites where Jesus ministered, was crucified, and arose from the dead.

Survivors include his wife Darleen Tucker Aiken; a son, Tom Aiken (Jennifer); and three special grandchildren, Brook Aiken, Cody Aiken, and Jessica Walker, all whom he loved dearly; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Frances Spivey; sister-in-law, Pearl Tucker; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Special thanks go to his wonderful caregivers Joy Winkles and Jeanette King, to the nurses at St. Mary's Hospice House, and to his faithful pastor Randy Crowe.

The family will receive friends at Lord and Stephens, EAST on Monday, June 4, 2012 from 6 until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 5, at 2 p.m. at Hull Baptist Church with the Rev. Randy Crowe officiating. Burial will follow at the Hull Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Stan Spivey, Jim Tucker, Mark Tucker, Dwight Vaughn, Brent Griffiths, Braiden Griffiths, Wes Jordan and Titus Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be the Logan Sunday School Class at Hull Baptist Church.

Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made in Billy's memory to Hull Baptist Church, P.O. Box 640, Hull, GA 30646, or to Hull Cemeteries Trust, P.O. Box 68, Hull, GA 30646.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.