Billy graduated from Sheffield High School in 1974. He was a three sport athlete for the Bulldogs, lettering in wrestling, football and baseball. He was a 2 year letter-man in basketball and a 3 year letter-man in football, winning the Mary Lou Sherrod Award for leadership his senior season. While being a valuable member of the baseball and football squads, it was wrestling where Bill excelled. He was the State Wrestling Champion in the 119 pound weight class during the 1972, 1973, and 1974 campaigns becoming the first three time champion in the same class in the State of Alabama. He helped lead Sheffield to its first team state championship in school history in 1973 winning the State Wrestling Championship. After high school he received a wrestling scholarship to Georgia Tech University and lettered in the 118 pound weight class. Later he returned home to attend UNA where he played on the Lions golf team.