Billy J. Robbins

Billy J. Robbins, 89, of Long Beach, MS, went to be with the Lord on the morning of May 8, 2023.  Billy’s passing freed him from the almost 15-year battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He devotedly cared for his wife of 37 years, Frankie Broom Robbins, as she valiantly fought breast cancer for 9 years before passing.

Also, preceding Billy in death were his parents, Hubert Osro, Sr. and Eva Holmes Robbins; his grandparents, Bill and Amanda Robbins, who raised Billy from the age of two after his mother passed away; his sister, Irece Simmons; his brothers, R.D. Robbins; Hubert O. Robbins, Jr.; and Lavern Robbins; in-laws, Earl and Vera Kendrick Broom; and brother-in-law, Narvel F. Broom.

Those left to cherish Billy’s memory are his daughter, Debra Robbins Bertucci (Bert) of Long Beach, MS; his granddaughter, Robbin Bertucci Johnson (Eric) of Milford, OH; his great granddaughter, Breese Georgia Johnson of Milford, OH; his great grandson, Davis Joseph Johnson of Milford, OH; his brother, Doyle Robbins (Anne) of Hattiesburg, MS; sister-in-law, Nelda Robbins Broom; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Billy was born in Columbia, MS on December 30, 1933.  He graduated from Improve-Petty High School in Columbia, MS in May 1952.  Billy served in the U.S. Army from May 1953 thru March 1956 as electronic cryptographic repairman. He served in the U.S. Air Force from December 1956 to December 1960 as an Electronics Cryptographic Technician Instructor.  In 1961, Billy qualified for “Q” clearance with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.  Billy worked at Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc in Hattiesburg, MS January 1961 to September 1965.  In September 1965, Billy moved his family to Long Beach, MS to work at Struthers Wells in Gulfport, MS.  Billy was employed as Purchasing, Production & Material Control Supervisor until his retirement in December 1995.

Billy enjoyed fishing, floundering, sports, and helping his wife, Frankie, with leading the Girl Scout troop that included his daughter, Debra; and eventually his granddaughter, Robbin's troop. He was a member of the Long Beach Lions Club International.  Billy was an active member of First Baptist Church Long Beach until after Hurricane Katrina when the dementia and Alzheimer’s took over.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Village who cared for and loved Billy for over 7 years.  There are too many to personally thank, but you know who you are.  We would also like to thank St. Joseph’s Hospice and Riemann Family Funeral Home.  

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 9 - 11 am, at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach.  A funeral service will be at 11 am in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be in Long Beach City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Long Beach, 300 North Cleveland Avenue, Long Beach, MS 39560; St. Thomas Catholic Church, Life Teen, 720 Beach Blvd E, Long Beach, MS 39560; or any charity of your choice.