Billy was a 1947 graduate of Marshall County High School where he lettered for four years in both football and basketball. Following high school he played football at Jacksonville State Teachers College . He was chosen as an All-Time Gamecock guard in 1952 and then went on to play service ball while serving our country during the Korean War. After his tour in the service he became Head Football Coach at Clay County High School, Boaz High School and Muscle Shoals High School. He came to Muscle Shoals in 1967 following 7 years at Boaz where his teams posted a record of 31-14-5. While serving as the Trojan head coach he built the program into one of the most respected in the Shoals highlighted by ending the 41 game winning streak of the Russellville Tigers.