Submitted by his mother
God called my precious son home while he was attending to a lady that had been in a wreck and who was bleeding profusely. He was on his way home when he got the call about a wreck and he was the first EMT on the scene.
Billy lived in Pintlala‚ Alabama where he was a volunteer fireman and EMT. It seemed that the men and women down there were called out very often as it is a large community.
To get back to the accident. Billy had just called me to say ‘Mom‚ I just wanted to hear you say I love you again today.’ Of course‚ I said it again and he returned those wonderful words. He must have gotten the call as soon as we hung up because within 30 minutes he collapsed from a heart attack. He had had a complete physical check-up shortly before the accident. When the other EMTs and ambulance came‚ Billy told one of the men to hold the towel on the patient’s chest and let him get some clean towels. When he stood up‚ God called him home. The crew started working on him and when they saw they could not bring him back‚ they followed his wishes. He had always said ‘people should donate the parts of the body to help other people.’ They rushed to the fire station that was close to the wreck and got ice. They packed his head in the ice and did all they could to help preserve his other body parts. He was immediately taken to the hospital and I know two people have sight today because he had good eyes. I am not sure what else they used‚ but I have been told many things were used.
Billy was an electrician‚ a great Christian‚ a wonderful husband‚ son‚ deacon‚ uncle‚ etc. I know he is with God‚ but I miss him and I know I will see him when I get to heaven. Another interesting thing‚ just before his coffin was closed‚ the Chief placed Billy’s phone in his hands and it looked like he had a smile on his face. I had never seen this before.
Billy was 51 _. He was born July 11‚ 1953 and passed from this world on April 2‚ 2005.
“Dear Mrs. Poage, I just wanted to write a little message to express my deepest condolences for your loss. Your son sounded like a wonderful and caring man. He died a hero doing what God had called him to do. This lady in the wreck may very well owe her lady to Billy. I know he is up in heaven looking down at you and the rest of the family with great pride and love. Best wishes to your family and God Bless. Pam Arrant”
– Pam Arrant