Memorial services for Mr. Billy Tinsley, age 80 of Ruston, LA will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston with Rev. Randy Ray and Rev. Kelli Stephenson officiating.

Billy Mac was born March 26, 1942 in Simsboro, LA to Bertis and Lee Davis Tinsley, and he passed away peacefully January 16, 2023 at his home in Ruston. For almost 81 years, he spent his time serving: his country, his community, and his family. Billy Mac joined the United States National Guard right out of high school and served his country for six years. For over 20 years, after retirement, he volunteered his time to the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office, providing an escort for hundreds of families on their loved one's final trip. Billy Mac approached this duty with a seriousness of purpose to ensure a peaceful funeral procession for the families enduring loss. He was fortunate that he did not live to work but that he worked to live. When Billy Mac was not serving his family, friends or community, he lived. His love for Native American history, for driving his '69 Corvette and for spending time with those he liked the most led to a lifetime of trips all over the southern United States as well as the Route 66. Another loved past time of his was watching westerns with his wife, the love of his life for 56 years, Billie June Thomas Tinsley. Billy Mac was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents Clyde Ann Davis and Lee Tinsley; and maternal grandparents Annie Mae Barnett and Malvin Hood.

Billy Mac is survived by his loving wife; sister Ann Tinsley and husband Ferrell Pesnell of Simsboro; nephew Lee Lewellyan and wife Brandi of Ruston; and niece Kelly Lewellyan Bond (Brent) of Simsboro.

The family would like to express appreciation to Billy Mac's loving caregivers Kathy Rushing, Angela Braggs, Shantelle Withe, D. Darby, Zan Mason, Kim Smith, Shaun Grant and Bobby Goodgoin who were such a blessing during this difficult time.

To honor Billy Mac's life of service, the family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 PM, Saturday, January 21 at the funeral home.