Billy Gene Rentz

CMSGT Billy Gene Rentz, USAF (Retired), 89, of Quitman, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at his home following a period of declining health. He was born on August 5, 1933 in Adel, Georgia to Macon Eak and Della Mae Dove Rentz. Billy was loyal and generous to his family, friends and neighbors. Smart and a perfectionist, almost to a fault, he was very precise and some would describe him as occasionally being “stubborn.” He had a strong work ethic forged during a time when children routinely worked to help provide for the family. He was plowing fields behind a mule at the age of 12 and worked throughout his school years.

Billy enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 and shortly thereafter, in 1954 he married the love of his life, Wilma Corbett of Hahira. Billy proudly served in the United States Air Force for 27 years rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and earning many awards, medals and commendations. He was a Vietnam War veteran serving in Vietnam in 1967, and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Following his military career, he continued to work In Aerospace Propulsion for 14 years as a Quality Assurance Engineer with Allied Signal Aerospace. He was an avid Amateur Radio Operator, AG4GI, and a Life Member of the Hahira Masonic Lodge 346.

Billy is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Doug Rentz of Columbus, Mike and Candy Rentz of Valdosta, a daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Gary Rowe of Valdosta; nine grandchildren, Caroline Rentz, Catherine Rentz, Rebecca Rentz Martinez (Frank), Garrett Rowe (Chelsea), Wesley Rowe, Ryan Rowe (Melissa) Justin Rowe, Jeffrey Palombo and Nick (Abbey) Palombo; and nine great grandchildren, Charlotte, Grady, Jackson, Matthew, Kathryn and Hayden Rowe, Mac, Grey and Shep Palombo. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Wilma Rentz, his parents, three brothers, Troy Rentz, Elford Rentz and Ted Rentz; two sisters, Betty Jo Rentz Dawes and Sara Catherine Rentz Antulov; and a dear friend, Judy Cousart Ellis.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hernando Moreno MD and the staff at SGMC Valdosta Medical Clinic, SunCrest Home Health and Bethany Palliative and Hospice Care for their compassionate care this past year.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at Philadelphia Baptist Church with Reverend Frank Gupton officiating. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at the Carson McLane Valdosta Funeral Home. Flowers are accepted. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Philadelphia Baptist Church 3091 Troupeville Rd., Quitman, GA 31643.

Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.