Billy Looney

Master Sergeant Billy Jack Looney, U.S. Air Force, passed peacefully surrounded by family on May 29th, 2026, at the age of 94. He was born on November 1st, 1931, to Wilson Pierce and Myrtle Atkins Looney in Pikeville, Kentucky. After graduating from high school, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a flight engineer. Following active duty, he entered the civil service and ended his career working for commercial airlines flying all over the world. He married Betty Lou Carpenter in 1952 with whom he had a son, Michael Douglas, and daughter, Jacqueline Michele. Billy married Mary Lou Benedict in 2006, and together they shared 20 wonderful years. Billy was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and The American Legion. He enjoyed watching football, fishing off his boat in Big Pine Key, farming on his 25-acre ranch in Moulton, Texas, and spending time with his family. Billy will be remembered for his work ethic, friendliness, positive attitude, caring spirit, and dedication to his family and community.

Billy is preceded in death by his many sisters and brother; wife, Betty Lou Carpenter Looney; son, Michael Douglas Looney; and son-in-law, John Paul Wright. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Benedict Looney; daughter, Jacqueline Michele Looney Wright; stepchildren, Kerry Lynne Smith and Christopher Kyle Benedict; granddaughters, Nicole Michele and Jessica Nancy Wright; and step-grandchildren, Courtney Marie Smith and John Louis Smith III.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, June 12th, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Chapelwood United Methodist Church (11140 Greenbay St, Houston, TX 77024). Billy will be laid to rest with Military Honors Monday, June 15th at 11:00 am in Cape Charles Cemetery (3229 Old Cape Charles Rd, Cape Charles, VA 23310). The family requests donations in his memory be made to the ALS Association of Texas, Attn: Donation Services4939 DeZavala Road, Suite 105, San Antonio, Texas 78249 (http://web.alsa.org/goto/TheWrightTeam2026).

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com.

Local arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.