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William R. \u201cBilly\u201d Valentine, Jr. \u2013 66 of 44 Reynolds Ave. Hornell passed away on November 29, 2020 at St James hospital following a long and courageous battle with cancer.<\/p>\nWilliam R. \u201cBilly\u201d Valentine, Jr. \u2013 66 of 44 Reynolds Ave. Hornell passed away on November 29, 2020 at St James hospital following a long and courageous battle with cancer.<\/p>\n
Born in Hornell on February 9, 1954, he was the 5th son of William & Ruth (Sheedy) Valentine.<\/p>\n
Billy grew up in Hornell, graduating from Hornell High School in 1972.\u00a0 He served in Korea for 3 years as an MP for the US Army prior to his honorable discharge in 1975. \u00a0Bill then continued to serve his country as a member of the US Army Reserves for 16 years, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant 1st<\/sup> Class.<\/p>\n He was employed as a mechanic\/supervisor for many years at Morrison-Knudson (M-K) Corporation.\u00a0 As a contractor, he often traveled throughout the United States working on buses and rail cars, especially Maryland & California. \u00a0He retired about 10 years ago.<\/p>\n Bill had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and later St. Ann\u2019s Church. He was a member of the Hornell American Legion, the Hornell Association and the Hornell VFW where he served as a bartender.<\/p>\n He was a longtime fan of the Buffalo Bills (especially during the Super Bowl years) and loved watching the New York Yankees play. He enjoyed camping with his family, fishing with his boys, spending time with son in law, signing the books and hosting a few with his many friends at the American Legion, VFW and Association.<\/p>\n Billy was preceded in death by his father, William R. Valentine who died in 2009; his brother, Robert G. Valentine who died in 2017.<\/p>\n He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, the former Mary Ann Carella. \u00a0Also surviving by his 3 sons, Jason Valentine of Gainsville, NY, William R. (Kenzie Mess) Valentine III of Gainsville, NY and Adam Valentine of Perry, NY; his daughter, Brittany (Bradley) Davis of Canisteo; his mother, Ruth Valentine of Hornell; his brothers, Tom (Theresa)Valentine of Hornell, Larry (Chrissey) Valentine of Hornell, Mike Valentine of Hornell, Tim (Bonnie Ross) Valentine of Canisteo, Jim (Judy) Valentine of Hornell, Mark (Sara) Valentine of Hornell, Rick Valentine of Hornell and Gary (Candi) Valentine of Elmira; his sister, Laurie (Mike) Adams of Hornell; 17 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews & cousins.<\/p>\n At Billy\u2019s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. A \u201cCelebration of Life\u201d will be held at a later date.<\/p>\n