Memorial services for Billy Drew Mize, age 77 of Quitman will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Shawn McMillian officiating.

Billy was born April 22, 1943 in Alexandria, LA to George and Frankie Mize. On Sunday, January 10, 2021, Billy Mize passed away.  On December 26, 1972, he married Judy Garrett Mize and later on they had two children, Lea Anne and Steven.

Anytime Billy was asked how he was doing he always gave everyone the same reply, "I'm having the time of my life!"  He captured you immediately with his quick wit and contagious laugh.  Billy proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He was employed for 45 years at WestRock paper mill in Hodge, LA.  Billy had many adventures in his life.  He was proud to tell anyone that he rode his Harley three years to the Sturgis Bike Rally.  In his early life he was considered a "legend" by many for his drag racing career.  Billy drove a '57 Chevy for Paul Bounds and won a Louisiana championship.  His love of racing continued throughout his life.  He traveled to many drag races and loved keeping up with the NHRA.

After retirement he found his love for cattle.  He enjoyed many years of duck hunting with his buddies in Arkansas where more friendships were formed.  His grandsons were a huge source of pride and words cannot describe how much he enjoyed them.  Billy loved watching them play baseball and tried being at every game.  He cheered on every boy on the team and the boys adopted him as their own "Eehaw."  When Lea Anne married Jason, Billy gained another son, not just a son in law.  Through Jason, Billy's family grew even more with the addition of Cliff Shows and Frankie Thrift.  When Tay Shows married J.R. Williams, another son was added.  Their son Easton was another source of amazement and joy to Billy.  He could not stop talking about Easton's knowledge of so many things at such a young age.

Billy had many faithful friends of all ages and personal visits were so important to him.  He and his dear friend Johnny made many "ride-abouts" traveling near and far just seeing the sights.  Even a trip to Oklahoma for a hamburger wasn't too far for them.  Along with his other longtime friend, Danny, they solved many of the world's problems from right there in Punkin Center.  He and his Navy buddy, Willie reconnected after many years.  They spent many hours together watching Lonesome Dove and reminiscing about their time in the service.

Billy is preceded in death by parents: George Mize and wife Frankie; sister: Eleanor Mize.

He is survived by his wife: Judy Mize; daughter: Lea Anne Mize and husband Jason Shows; son: Steven Mize; two grandsons: Wade Garrett Shows and Drew Matthew Shows; sisters: Wanda "Liz" Townsend and Shirley Tullos.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M., Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.

To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com