AKRON | Billy Joe Ritts, age 69, of Akron, Ala., died October 15, 2015, at home. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Pritchett officiating. Burial will follow in Backbone Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at the funeral home.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Wayne Ritts; and nephew, Christopher Ritts.Survivors include his best friend and companion of 50 years, Judy Ritts of Akron, Ala.; daughter, Cindy Crawford (Billy Evans) of Akron, Ala.; son, Billy Ritts (Sharon) of Coaling, Ala.; loving sister, Janice Raines of Cottondale, Ala.; brother, Tommy Ritts (Terri) of Gordo, Ala.; three granddaughters, Dakota Holeman, Missy Thompson and Leah Dimpsey; great-granddaughter, Luci Gray Holeman; and a host of friends.Billy Joe was born September 4, 1946 in Elrod, Alabama to the late Leland Buddy Ritts and Otis Earlene Patrick Ritts. He was a retired construction worker for KamTech.Pallbearers will be Jerry Tidwell, Ricky Tidwell, Dylan Tidwell, John Wayne Presley, Austin Ritts and Brian Raines.Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Pamela Hughes and Dr. William Hill.