Willie Hope “Billy” McEwen, 67, of McComb, died Oct. 6, 2007, atSouthwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb.

Visitation is Monday, Oct. 8, at Jones Family Funeral Servicesin McComb from 5 until 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from noon untilservice time at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Charles Brister officiating.Burial will be in McEwen Cemetery.

He was born Jan. 12, 1940, in Pike County to A. McEwen andBertha Chance McEwen.

He was a member of Felder’s United Methodist Church and wasretired from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad with 30 years ofservice as an engineer. He was the railroad president’s choice ofengineers when it came to a special event. He was chosen toengineer a train for President Bill Clinton. He loved bluegrassmusic and loved to travel the country to play. From Kentucky toBranson to Nashville to New Orleans, he was known for his bluegrassmusic. He was a talented musician and first learned to play thedobro. Later he learned to play the fiddle, mandolin, steel guitarand bass. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and wasalways there for their ballgames and other events. He was a friendto everyone and was always willing to help those in need. He wasgenuine and a real gentleman who will be missed by all who knewhim.

He is survived by a special friend and companion, Marilyn MorganWelch, of McComb; a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Joey Moak,of McComb; a sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Gerald Uzzell,of Goldsboro, N.C.; three grandchildren, Brittney Moak Myers andhusband Travis, of Smithdale, and Dustin Moak and Donnie Petrus,both of McComb; three nephews, Larry Hill and wife Denise, ofNashville, N.C., Randy Hill and wife Mary Ann, of Graniteville,S.C., and Curtis Hill and fiancee Maxine Spiers, of McComb; hisgreat-nephew, Cpl. Jay Hill, USMC, of Cherry Point, N.C., and hisgreat-niece, Valoree Hill, of Nashville, N.C.

Pallbearers are Mark Shepherd, Larry Hill, Randy Hill, CurtisHill, Willie Lewis and Chuck Lambert. Honorary pallbearers areEverett Boyd, Glen Sterling, Bobby Bowen, Troy Williams and JesseColeman.