Billy Carson Tays, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville, Tennessee. He was born March 5, 1938, in Dripping Springs, Tennessee to Carson and Lillie Belle Kilgore Tays. He graduated from Pleasant Hill Academy in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee before moving into a life of service. Billy held many titles throughout his life and each one was carried with honor, pride, and a strong sense of responsibility; these include: dedicated and loyal service to Camp Nakanawa for 28 years, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department Deputy & Reserve Deputy for 23 years total and from where he proudly retired as a County Deputy in 2001, County Commissioner for three terms for a total of 12 years, County Volunteer Fire Fighter from 1973-1983, Crossville Police Auxiliary from 1980-1989, School Board Member on the Cumberland County School Board from 1970-1978, Mayor of Pleasant Hill, and a deacon of Mayland Baptist Church as a young man. True to the meaning of his name, Billy Carson Tays lived as a steadfast protector, a man of deep roots, and a devoted presence whose strength and love will be remembered always. He is preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Dianna Daugherty-Hamby, and a beautiful baby boy, “Baby Tays”, whose losses he carried with great love and strength. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Sue Button. Billy leaves behind his devoted wife of 67 years, Dorothy Tays, who stood by his side through every season of life. Together they built a lifetime of love and memories. He is also survived by his two children, Mary Qualls (Larry) and Bob Tays (Christina); his nine grandchildren, Brad Daugherty (Kate), Kayla Qualls, Lindsay Becker (Josh), David Qualls (Kerri), Ethan Tays (Holli), Morgan Tays, Courtney Jordan (Brent), Bryson Tays, and Maggie Qualls; by his eight great grandchildren, Mason and Blakelee Daugherty (Brad), Anna Daugherty, Riley, Noah, and Chloe Becker (Lindsay), Gracie and Nathan (Kayla), and his sister, Norma Hyder (David), all of whom were immensely blessed by his wisdom, kindness, and steady presence. His legacy lives on in every generation he has shaped. As his wife Dorothy said the day of his passing, “We know where Pa is going, there is no doubt about it, but it doesn’t mean that we won’t be sad and we won’t shed some tears.” Even in our grief, we are grateful for the extraordinary life he lived and the unwavering love he gave us so freely. “When a faithful soul returns home to God, heaven becomes a little brighter, and His peace holds us a little closer.” Services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11 AM – 1 PM with the service to follow at 1 PM, officiated by Darrell Schubert and Hank Jones. He will be laid to rest in Mayland Cemetery immediately following the service.