Billy Dean Blackmon

On the morning of Sunday January 24, 2021, Billy Blackmon, of Visalia, California, went to be with his Heavenly Father at the age of 76. Billy was born to Willie and Vivion Blackmon on March 31, 1944, in Richmond California. He spent most of his childhood in Arkansas, and relocated to Farmersville, California with his family as a teenager. Billy graduated from Exeter high school in 1961. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed on the USS John F. Kennedy, and spent much of his time on the USS Sargo submarine. He served his country for 12 years as a submarine communications specialist and 5 years in the reserves. Upon retirement from the Navy, Billy returned to the Central Valley, where he began his profession as a card dealer at several local establishments. Billy's second career eventually led to his service as a card dealer in the most prestigious events in Las Vegas, including the World Series of Poker. In the final decades of his life, Billy served as the manager of the Sundowner Cardroom, where he enjoyed a loyal cohort of players. Billy believed that the challenges in his own life were best met through service to God and the people around him. Especially in his later years, Billy was always willing to lend a listening ear or a helping hand to anyone in need. Billy's charity extended to countless friends, family members, casual acquaintances, and even (and perhaps most especially) the random vagrant passing by Billy's home on Bridge Street in Visalia. Billy also had a special place in his heart for animals, and took in numerous stray cats, providing them with a loving home and a state-of-the-art catwalk. In recent years, Billy's favorite topic of discussion was his grandchildren. His greatest joy in life was attending his grandchildren's ballgames, where you could always count on Billy being in the crowd proudly cheering them on. Billy is survived by his significant other for the last 8 years, Lori Homen, his step-son Danny White, his son Teddy and wife Stephanie, his son Tommy and wife Crystal, his son Johnny, his daughter Ambra Anderson and husband Derick, and all of the grandchildren Billy so cherished. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Jean Enlow and Dorthy May Head and his sister-in-law Betty Lee Blackmon. Billy is predeceased by his parents, Willie and Vivion Blackmon, his brother Glen Blackmon, and his first son Bobby Dean Blackmon. His viewing will be held on February 21, 3:00 PM-7:00 PM at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. The memorial service will be held on February 22, at 2:00 PM at the Exeter Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Billy Dean Blackmon

March 31, 1944 - January 24, 2021