Billy Ross Sullivan

Billy Ross Sullivan, 81 of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2023, at Centrica Glenn Arbor Place, with his family at his side.

Billy was born at home in Canton, Kansas. The son of Mack Matthew Sullivan (nickname “Pete”) and Ruby Roalda (Krieger) Sullivan.  His father died when Billy was  seventeen, so Billy enlisted in the US Navy and sent his earnings back home to help his Mother and family. Billy served 4 years in the U.S. Navy and was discharged on March 7, 1962. Billy served on the USS Lexington and USS Hancock. He was a crew chief of the A3D Sky Warrior.

Billy meet his future wife Nancy Leora Baugher on the Courthouse steps in Ellis, Kansas. Billy and Nancy were united in marriage on July 24, 1962 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis, KS. Billy and Nancy moved to Michigan in 1969. He was employed by Stanley Home Products and Schneider Transportation before owning and operating trucking service "Truway Transport" with his wife, Nancy. After retiring, Billy and Nancy resided in Port Charlotte,  FL. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte.  They also attended St. Phillip Catholic Church in Battle Creek. Billy and Nancy enjoyed sailing on Lake Michigan, power boating in Florida and taking motorcycle trips together. 

Surviving are Nancy, his wife of 60+ years; three daughters, Denice (Robyn) Shepard of Bellevue, MI, Jessica Annis of Manistee, Rebecca Babbitt of Battle Creek; two sons, Billy Ross (Christy) Sullivan of Portland, OR, Caleb Christopher Sullivan of Battle Creek, MI; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Edith Sullivan of Kalamazoo, MI, and two brothers,  Jon Sullivan of Niles, MI, and Scott (Kelly) Sullivan of Baldwin, MI. Billy was preceded in death by his parents; two sons-in-law, Charles Babbitt and Mark Annis and by a brother, Sheridan Sullivan. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Glenn Arbor Hospice Place, C/o Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-9423. Arrangements are by Farley-Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com