Funeral services for Billy Lee McElwee, Sr. were at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home with the Rev. Olen McLaren and the Rev. Wayne Spears officiating. Interment followed at Zion Cemetery in Fairview Alpha. The family received friends from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the funeral home. Billy McElwee, 81, passed away Nov. 14, 2015. Bill was born Feb. 9, 1934 in Fairview Alpha. He was a kind and honest man, a hard worker and was “tough as nails.” He would raise a huge garden and give almost all of it away to his neighbors and friends. He loved working outdoors and raised the most beautiful rose gardens around. He served and retired from his country for many years in the U.S Navy and the V.A. Hospital Systems. He was a patriot from head to toe. He served in the Korean War, in the 7th Fleet, on the U.S.S Philippian Sea Air Craft Carrier. But more than any of this, he loved his family. Some of his last thoughts were taking care of his grandchildren’s Christmas before he passed. He was an anchor for his family, and was loved by all. He will be missed.He is survived by his three children, Jerri M. Price and her fiance Robert Allen of Robeline, Billy “Wild Bill” Lee McElwee Jr. and his wife Kim McElwee of Bermuda and Max McElwee and his fiance Sabrina Parent of Boyce; five grandchildren, Rodney “RJ” Price Jr., Trent Price, Chris Chapman, Max Evan McElwee and Garrett Lee McElwee; one sister, Pat Wren of Bossier City; one brother, Glen C. McElwee and his wife Lurline of Fairview Alpha; the mother of his children, Shirley F. Crippen; his step-daughters, Melinda Blackmon and Ranel McEachern; his step-grandchildren, Nicole, Justin, and Kimberly; and his neighbor and best friend, Tony Longino. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara L. McElwee; his parents, Robert McElwee and Carmen Nelson McElwee; three brothers, Maxie McElwee, Jackie McElwee and Bobby McElwee; and one stepgrandson, Darrell. Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Curtley Alexander, Sammy Alexander, Richard Alexander, Red Giddings, Greg Giddings and Tony Longino. Honorary pallbearers were Andrew Giddings, Doyle Giddings and Edgar Cason.