Billy E. Lightsey
December 24, 1947 -
September 8, 2019
US Veteran
Billy E. Lightsey, age 71 of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2019, at his residence with his family by his side.
Born in Jemison, Alabama on December 24, 1947, he was the son of Henry and Lola Fuerstenberg.
Billy proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from February 9, 1966 until his honorable discharge on February 6, 1969. He was assigned as a mechanic in the infantry.
On March 21, 1970 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage to Valerie Fox.
Billy was employed with AMC/Chrysler Corporation in their Cutter & Grinder Dept. He retired after 35 years of service in 2004. After his retirement, Billy was employed with First Student in Kenosha.
He was a member of U.A.W. Local #72 Retirees. Billy enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing and hunting deer, squirrels and rabbits. He was an avid football and baseball fan. Billy liked to cheer on The Packers, The Badgers, The Brewers and Alabama State.
Billy is survived by his wife of 49 years, Valerie Lightsey; his mother, Lola Fuerstenberg; his four children, Lisa (Andy) Heckel-Cappa, Jason (Brandy Falduto), Kevin and Ryan Lightsey; and eleven grandchildren.
He is further survived by his sister, Barbara (David) Lyons; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Fox; many loving nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companions, Xena, Sassy and Josie.
He was preceded in death by his father; a daughter, Kelly Marie in infancy; and a brother, Michael Fuerstenberg.
Billy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the VA Hospital in Milwaukee; especially the ICU Unit for the special care they provided to them.
Service Info
Funeral Services honoring Billy’s life will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53144. Interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, WI on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. A visitation for Billy will take place on Thursday, September 12th from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the family would be appreciated.
Posted by:
Evelyn StrakaSorry to hear that you lost Billy and I can understand as I lost Clarence in Jan 2018. Don't remember if you remember me but the wife of Clarence Straka and he was a first cousin to Henry and met difference times with the Fuerstenberg family years ago but with families getting larger don't do that so much any more. Agnes Hughes wrote and told me about his passing. Evelyn Straka
Posted by:
Nancy (Hofflander) HuckHi Valerie, I so sorry for the loss of your husband. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Nancy (Hofflander) Huck
Posted by:
Lenee (Fontaine) JozwiakDear Valerie, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts & prayers for peace and healing, in time, Valerie!
Posted by:
Anna DimeoDear Valerie. Just read on Facebook your husband passed. So sorry for your loss. If you get a Facebook account many of your friends are in the Bradford 68 Group. We are all thinking of you. Love, Anna xoxo
Posted by:
Dick PritchardWorked with Billy in the inspection department at the motors,him and i were union stewards at the same time. He was a great coworker,we shared a lot of laughs and good times. Rest In Peace my Friend.
Posted by:
Tonya HoffmanPatty, P.J., and Tonya wants Lola to know that we are very, very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you very much like our grandma!
Posted by:
David & Marilyn LauerTwenty-four years as next door neighbors. We've watched together as our children grew up (and died) and we grew older. A harder-working man we have never known. We will always remember that day in 1995 when you walked up our driveway to ask about the house for sale next to ours. We'll miss those "driveway chats" we often had. Rest in peace, Bill - you've earned your "wings."
