Billy Gene Michaels Jr., 52, of Richmond died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Billy was born on Nov. 6, 1968, in Lexington, the son of Billy Gene and Anita Louise (Woods) Michaels Sr. He was united in marriage to Melinda “Mindi” Lee Wilson of Mineral Wells, West Virginia, on Jan. 1, 2005. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: four sons, Richard Lee (Autumn) Crispen, Billy Gene Michaels III, Zachary Allen Michaels and Brayden Gene Michaels, all of Richmond; two daughters, Anita Marie (Chris) Laudermilt of Racine, Ohio, and Kyra Michelle Highley of Mineral Wells; 13 grandchildren, Olivia Looney, Daniel Laudermilt, Kinnley Laudermilt, Baylee Crispen, Harper Crispen, Braxton Brown, Bentley Pirnie, Lillian Shores, Eli Michaels, Liam Fluharty, Jaxon Fluharty, Zachary Michaels Jr. and Zane Michaels; one brother, Randy Gene (Rita) Michaels of Henrietta; and one sister, Nancy Jean (David) Cringan of North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Ciara Michaels.

Billy was a machinist and worked as a well tender in the oil and gas industries. His family, kids and grandkids were his inspiration to live. Billy enjoyed fishing and liked being outdoors, especially with his grandkids. He enjoyed riding his three-wheeler and his side-by-side. Billy enjoyed taking care of his fish tanks, both saltwater and freshwater. He loved anything to do with racing and enjoyed keeping up his yard. Billy was a great and amazing dad who raised kids he did not have to. He will be dearly missed by all his friends and family. GO CHIEFS!!!!

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Billy Gene Michaels Jr. Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main Street-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation was held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Inurnment will be held at a later date by the family.

Please share your memories of Billy with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.