Billy Francis Landrum

Funeral services for Billy F. Landrum, 86, of Rayville will be held at 4:00 PM, Sunday, May 10, 2015 at the Rayville United Methodist Church with Rev. Darryl Tate officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM at the church. Internment will follow at the Rayville Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Rayville. Mr. Landrum was born August 6, 1928 in Monroe, LA and moved to Richland Parish at an early age. He passed away May 8, 2015 in Monroe, LA after a sudden illness. He was preceded in death by his parents Worth and Alma Landrum; brothers, Fred and Jake Landrum; sons, Bill and Paul Landrum.Mr. Landrum learned the value of hard work at the age of 4 delivering water to the field workers on the family farm. His strong work ethic and love of all things mechanical served him well throughout his entire life.Mr. Landrum was a patriot who loved his country. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. Upon completion of his military service, he was employed by Scott Truck and Tractor for 46 years as a salesman and General Manager.Of his many interests and passions, aviation was at the top of the list. As a commercial pilot, he enjoyed flying his family to vacation destinations. He served his fellow aviators by assuming the volunteer role of Manager of the John Hooks Memorial Airport in Rayville.Upon his retirement from the agri-business industry, Mr. Landrum became a full-time rancher and farmer. He was the largest breeder and producer of pure-bred Santa Gertrudis cattle in LA. He loved working his cattle on quarter horses he raised and trained.At the end of a hard day of cattle ranching, Mr. Landrum could be heard playing his guitar and harmonica. He loved western music, especially tunes about cowboys and life on the open range.Mr. Landrum loved his church and cherished the many friendships he made during his years of service to the Methodist Men’s organization. He also served as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and as a youth baseball coach. He was especially passionate about mentoring young people and helping them reach their goals.Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 64 years, Bettye Sue Landrum; Todd Landrum and his wife Paula, David Landrum and his wife Treina; grandchildren, Jacob, Jennifer, and Rachel Landrum.Serving as Pallbearers will be Jacob Landrum, Terry Copeland, Bo Thurman, Charlie Noble, Frank Hatch and Edward Greer. Honorary Pallbearers are Betty Scott Cummins, Tom Scott, Jr., Jim Bershen, Lynn Smith, Larry Gwin, Reginald Thompson, L.B. Harris, Jr., Lawrence Medlin, and Lannie Philley. Online registry/condolences made at www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com.Arrangements under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.