Billy Jay Burkey, 85, of Reeds, Mo departed this life on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Sarcoxie Nursing Center. Billy entered this life on January 22, 1930 in rural Jasper County to the union of the late Toney and Vada (Hill) Burkey. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Mae Dodson on April 26, 1947 and together they shared sixty eight years. He worked many years for Flex-O-Lator in Carthage, Mo retiring in 1992. He was also engaged in full time farming. Billy was a hard worker and took great pride in restoring IH tractors. His favorite saying was "If it's not red, leave it in the shed". He loved spending time with his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; and one infant sister. Billy is survived by his wife, Dorothy; one daughter, Judy Turner, and husband Gale, of Sarcoxie; three sons, Bruce Burkey, and wife Camie, of Diamond, Rick Burkey, and wife Elva, of Carthage, David Burkey, of Reeds; five grandchildren, Mike Turner, Tammy Gilbreath, Bart Burkey, Logan Burkey and Toby Brown; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Burkey, and wife Margie, of Carthage; and one sister, Pansy Lunderman, and husband Paul, of Galena, Ks; as well as a host of other family and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Burkey will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home with Pastor James Yost officiating. Burial to follow in Sarcoxie Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Mike Turner, Bart Burkey, Logan Burkey, Toby Brown, Scott Gilbreath and Austin Turner. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Jackson, Kevin Simmons, Blake Simmons and Barrett Burkey. In-lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Sarcoxie Nursing Center. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Mo.