Billy Wade Inman departed this life and entered his heavenly home on July 15, 2025, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Billy was born on June 1, 1963, to Jesse and Vera Inman in Elaine, Arkansas. The last of three children, Billy never missed a chance to remind his big sisters that he was his mom’s favorite child and the Golden child. In fact, one Christmas, his sisters gifted him a Mac Davis record called “Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way”. Despite his love to tease and poke fun at his sisters, he loved them and protected them fiercely.
In 1981, the rule-breaking, metal and southern rock-loving, fast car-driving, doing things he shouldn’t be doing, met the rule-following, country music-loving, obeying her parents and church every Sunday girl. Together, they decided their differences were worth the risk. It was never perfect, but those two kids hung on for the next 44 years, proving all the doubters wrong. And proving that things can work if you want it bad enough and are willing to make changes, compromise, and put God first.
Dedicated to a life of service, Billy proudly served his country by joining the United States Army. After receiving an honorable discharge upon returning home from Germany, he and Valerie started serving in their church in various roles until Billy felt the Lord telling him to preach. From there, Billy served as pastor of Meadow View Baptist Church, Morton Baptist Church in McCrory, and finally, Diaz Baptist Church in Diaz, Arkansas. Alongside preaching, Billy worked for the Arkansas Department of Corrections as the McPherson Unit Trainer for 11 years. In the summer of 2014, Billy was promoted to Deputy Warden over the Grimes Unit. For the next seven years, Billy went to Tucker, Varner SuperMax, North Central, Hawkins, and back to McPherson, where he retired in 2021 as Deputy Warden. Billy dedicated 27 ½ years to the State of Arkansas. Billy’s proudest achievements during his time with the State were spent at the Hawkins Unit, where he helped create the Grow with Me program.
But it was in December 1995 that his ultimate dream came true – Valerie told him she was pregnant after 13 years of unexplained fertility. When asked if he wanted a boy or a girl, Billy would say, “I want my very own Snow White,” and on August 8, 1996, Billy got his very own Snow White. Billy was most proud of his daughter, Peyton. He never missed an opportunity to tell Peyton stories, boast about her achievements and pray for her life to come. Peyton was the light of Billy’s life, his girl, and his greatest gift from God.
In January 2025, after Valerie received her diagnosis, Billy gained another daughter, Whitney. Billy loved Whitney the same as he did Peyton and he loved to poke fun at Whitney, the same as he did Peyton. Billy often called Peyton and Whitney “his girls” or “the girls”.
Growing up, Billy would jokingly tell Peyton that if she had been a boy, she wouldn’t have so many rules. In November 2021, the day after his retirement, Billy found out he had been promoted to Grandpa. In January 2022, Billy found out he was finally getting his boy. Canaan was born on July 20th, 2022, and while Peyton was in labor, Billy was texting her about the SEC Media Days on TV, and if she was able to watch it. Minutes before Canaan was born, Billy came into that hospital room, held his daughter’s hand and prayed for a healthy delivery and a healthy baby. Billy was so proud when Aaron texted him and said, “Canaan is here!” From that day on, there was a new light in Billy’s life. While he was proud to be a daddy, he was over the moon to be a Poppa. Canaan and Billy were partners in crime against Valerie and Peyton.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, Jesse, and one niece, Kristen.
He is survived by his mother, Vera, of Sheridan, Arkansas; his wife, Valerie, of the home; his daughter, Peyton (Aaron) of Swifton; one grandson, whom he affectionately called “the boy he always prayed for”, Canaan of Swifton; Whitney (Jordan) of Newport; two sisters, Vera Ellen of Sheridan, and Linda (Michael) of Sheridan; his best friend, Tim Loggains (Lisa) of Pocahontas; and a whole host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Village Creek Baptist Church in Diaz.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
