Billy Joe Latta, passed away Nov. 17. He was born Dec. 31, 1929 in Blountville and moved to Bessemer at an early age.

He graduated from Hueytown High School, and attended the University of Alabama where he played baseball on several SEC Championship teams and was a member of the Alabama A Club.

Employed in sales with Deaton Truck Lines and Watkins Trucking, he played fast pitch softball for many years and was inducted into the Jefferson County and Alabama Halls of Fame. Latta served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, and recently received his 50-year pin for membership and service in the Masons. He was a member of Pine Harbor Golf Club where he was an avid golfer and member of The Club.

He was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church of Cropwell, where he served on many committees, and a faithful member of the Bible Sunday School Class. He dearly loved his church and was ready to serve in any way.

Latta was always known for his genuine smile and quick wit. During his extended sickness he always maintained the most wonderful positive attitude. He was always ready with a smile, and a thank-you to all those who came his way.

He is predeceased by his parents, William Hobert and Ruby Sherrer Latta, and wife, Virginia Green Latta.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Guy Headley Latta; daughter, Leigh Latta Cound and husband, Dr. John Douglas Cound, III, Birmingham; step-son, Dr. Arthur Stacey Headley and wife, Dr. Carol Motes Headley, Memphis, Tenn.; grandchildren, Arthur Miles Headley, Shelby Guy Headley, Virginia Leigh Cound, and John Douglas Cound, IV; sister, Doris Latta Ingram and husband Dave Ingram; and nephew, Todd Parrish, and many cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Nov. 22, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Cropwell, with visitation from 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m.

The burial will be at 2 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville. Jefferson Memorial Trussville is directing.