2nd Timothy 4:7-8, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." And so he did, our most cherished Billy Vass passed peacefully on Friday afternoon, April 10th, 2026 after a long battle of twelve and a half years from a non-malignant brain tumor, meningloma. Billy fought bravely.

The first of two sons, Billy Harold Vass was born on a Thursday, November 11th, 1954, in Beckley. He was the son of the late Bill and Helen Mullins Vass.

Billy grew up in Beckley, graduating from Woodrow High school in 1973. From high school, he would go to work for the CIA in Washington, DC which would create an interest in Law Enforcement. Returning to West Virginia, Billy graduated as Valedictorian from West Virginia State Police Academy and began a career as a Raleigh County Deputy Sheriff. In the late 70's Billy would meet Eccles native, Tammy Elizabeth Cangemi at GC Murphy's in uptown Beckley. And as they say, "the rest is history". Billy and Tammy would marry on July 1st, 1978. Their journey together would take them to High Point, North Carolina in 1980, where Billy would work as a Police Officer. He would further his studies at the University of North Carolina, receiving a Master of Arts Degree and of course he became a die in wool Tar Heels fan. Billy's career would take a turn to the new technology at the time, computer systems and he would become an IT Specialist for EDS based in Raleigh, North Carolina where he converted city governments to computer systems on the East Coast. He has had a very rewarding career. Billy and Tammy would make their home in the High Point/Raleigh area for nearly 20 years, returning to Beckley in 2000. He retired from the Mazella Company as an Accountant in 2022. In his leisure time, Billy enjoyed 70's music and college sports.

Billy and Tammy worshiped at Eccles First Baptist Church where he has been a faithful member. He enjoyed reading his bible. Through all his illness, his faith has buoyed he and Tammy up through the darkest of times. Countless trips to the University of Virginia and ongoing chemotherapy and radiation for years on end, and as Tammy reflected, "Billy never complained."

Family was everything. In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Peggy Cangemi. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of almost 48 years, Tammy; his dear brother, Dennis Vass and his wife, Connie and their sons, Denny, Daniel (Brittany) and David; his brother-in-law, Rocky Cangemi and his wife, Renee; sister-in-law, Judy Daniel and her husband, Shannon; additional nieces and nephews, Mireya Tetil (Tim), Dominick Cangemi (Maygon), Jacob stump (Savannah); great nieces, Eliza Vass, Annalee Tetil, Maeve Tetil, and Avery Stump; great nephews, Easton Vass, Colt Stump, and Henry Tetil. Many friends survive as well.

Billy had a wonderful life. Yes the trial of his illness has been a great test, but so many joys and memories, a beautiful marriage, a rewarding career, the love of family and the love of God. We don't always understand, but God has a plan. Billy Vass truly fought the good fight.

At this time, the family would like to give special thanks to: OAR Medical, Beckley; West Virginia, UVA Medical, Dr Camilo Fadul and Jim Kearns, PA; BARH Oncology, Odeth Barrett Campbell MD and Kristen Buskirk PA-C; BARH Outpatient Infusion Staff and Hospice of Southern West Virginia.

This Thursday, April 16th, we shall honor our dear Billy with a "Service of Remembrance" at 1:00 pm in the Melton Mortuary Chapel. The family is receiving friends at 11:00 am. Billy will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park. The honor of carrying Billy has been given to his nephews and Alex Taraczkozy.

Take thy rest dear Billy and until we all see each other again. God Speed.