BENTON — Billie Max Boone,

93, of Benton, passed away on Feb. 9, 2023. He was born on Aug. 10, 1929 to the late Max and Estelle Weaver Boone.

Billie Max was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sue Robbins. He was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church and was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Valley Forge. Billie Max served during the Korean War and was a member of the Chosin Few, USS Valley Forge Reunion and the United States Navy Memorial.

Billie Max was survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Carolyn “Cupcake” Boone; son, Gehrig (Carla) Boone of Texas; stepdaughter, Michelle Gibson (John) Woodall of Benton; granddaughters, Rachel (Max) Ferrell, Rebecca (Jason) Schlau, Jessie (Santana) Trigo, Carrie Boone, and Brooklyn Baldwin; six great-grandchildren, and his faithful companion, “Wendy Pooh”. I have gone to collect my wages for being a lifelong sinner. Most anyone who knew me knows my lifelong love of baseball; the only game in town for me. I am Albert Pujols #1 fan, and I am so thankful that I was able to watch him hit his 703rd home-run and that I was able to see him retire. My favorite past time was keeping baseball stats, COVID stats, reading, and working crossword puzzles. I also loved spending time with my Carolyn, and my two fur babies, Moose and Wendy Pooh. I loved collecting baseball memorabilia and talking to people about baseball, God, and the Bible. By the way, I don’t deserve to be in heaven, only by the shed blood of Jesus made it so. I hope my last thoughts will be of Carolyn, my cupcake, and those last words of Jesus, “it is finished!” Now, I leave you with my favorite Bible verse, Matthew 25:40: “And the King will answer and say to them, ‚ÄòAssuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

A private Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society.

Online guestbook at: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.