KILMARNOCK—William Slater “Billy” Dameron died June 19, 2024.
He was born October 24, 1934, in Mila to his beloved parents, Frank and Alice Dameron. Billy’s childhood revolved around his dad’s work as a farm hand and waterman on the Great Wicomico River and his mother’s undying love and superb cooking and gardening skills.
He met the love of his life, Sadie Frances Rock, while they were in high school together and he convinced her to marry him with his self-described “smooth talking.” They were inseparable for 66 years until her passing in March of 2023. Billy was desperately in love with Sadie until his final breath and earnestly looked forward to reuniting with her at God’s right hand.
Billy worked for over 30 years for the telephone company and enjoyed hunting and fishing with many friends he made at work. A summer day would find him out on his boat or in a duck blind with his pals in the winter.
He was best known for his self-taught musical skills and especially as the steel guitar player for the well-known Northern Neck country music group the Sundown Band. Billy and the band played for thousands of fans across Virginia, including once opening up for the legendary Tammy Wynette at King’s Dominion. The band went on to make a record and have their songs played on local radio stations.
Billy will be remembered as a tall and handsome man with a love for joking and laughing with others. He also had deep faith in the Lord’s love and was eager to support various ministries that helped others at local churches. The world was a better place thanks to Billy’s love, a word he used frequently, and he will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 29, followed by a short celebration of his life at 11 a.m. and internment at Roseland Cemetery in Reedville afterwards.
