Chief Warrant Officer, Billy Jones Weeks, US Army Ret., 91, of Florence, SC, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at McLeod Hospice House.  He was born in Bogue Sound, NC, a son of the late Edward Lee and Iona Jones Weeks.  He is also predeceased by four brothers and three sisters.

Billy joined the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division in 1946 at the age of 18.  He became a master parachutist and jumpmaster, and then a helicopter pilot in occupied Germany.  He returned to the states and joined the 7th Special Forces.  After an early 60's tour in Laos, he returned to flight status and spent a year in Vietnam.  He ended his military career with a tour flying in support of US military actions in the Dominican Republic.  He retired in June of 1966 as a Chief Warrant Officer III after 20 years.

He moved his family to Florence in 1966 at which time he became the first real estate broker for Weeks Construction Company, owned by his brother, Earl.  He was approached by Nationwide Insurance Company and after obtaining a state license, he became Nationwide's first agent in Florence.  He then established his own real estate and insurance company and later opened Florence's first Century 21 office.

Billy joined Saint Anthony Catholic Church in 1966.  He also joined the Florence Lions Club and became Scoutmaster of the Boy Scout Troop #409.  He served from 1973 to 1991 with Circle Park and held the position of Vice-Chairman to the board of directors.

Many in Florence know Billy as a golfer, as he was a daily fixture on area courses for more than 30 years.

Billy is survived by his wife of 67 years, LaVonta Faye Koch Weeks; two daughters, Cynthia Diane Weeks and Valerie Lynn Weeks Tallon; a son, Edward Allen (Ellen) Weeks; two granddaughters, Christi Tallon (Scott) Prentis and Summer Weeks (Don) Strickland; three great grandchildren, Parker Strickland, Dalton Pate and Jessica Griffin (William) Lee; one great-great granddaughter, Addy Lee; one sister, Mable Weeks Ryan; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service, directed by Cain Calcutt Funeral Home, will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 7, 2019, at Florence National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at Cain Calcutt Funeral Home.