Billy Gene Sylvest, 88, was received by his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 31, 2017.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1928, in Alva, Fla., and was a member of the Masonic Lodge #101 in Franklinton. Billy was a lifetime devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. After time in the National Guard, he later retired from AT&T in 1986 after 31 years of service. He spent his retirement years as a volunteer with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Campers on Mission, the North American Mission Board, and the Red Cross — traveling the U.S. and Canada rebuilding churches, helping people after disasters, and making friends across the nation.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeanette Fisher Sylvest; daughter, Marian Sylvest Porter; son and daughter-in-law, David and Sherry Sylvest; grandchildren, Philip (Lindsey) Porter, Lauren (Matt) Farrand, Mitchell Sylvest and Austin Sylvest; great-grandchild, Michael Farrand; sister, Freda Welch; and brother, Lawrence (Nell) Sylvest.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cluster and Lucille Sylvest; brothers, Sammie Jay Sylvest and Joe Floyd (Ann) Sylvest; and son-in-law, Perry Alan Porter.

The family received friends and family at Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, April 4, with a service at noon and burial at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Kelly and the Rev. Paul Watts officiated.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bethel Baptist Church or the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief.

A special thank you to St. Tammany Parish Hospice, Gladys Ard, and Ramona Creel for their excellent care and guidance.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.