Billy Hugh Mancil

Billy Hugh Mancil met his Lord and Savior on the morning of January 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 5, 1937 in Andalusia, Alabama, to Ethel Barfield Mancil and Huey Mancil.

Billy attended Andalusia High School and Auburn University where he majored in Building Science. He also served over ten years in the United States Army and Army National Guard. His career in building science led him and his beloved wife, Mary Mabry Mancil, to Montgomery, Alabama, where they raised their family. Billy specialized in drainage, curb and gutter leading him to be part of building the interstate system in and around Montgomery, AL in the 1960s. Later in the 1970s, he and Mary founded the successful BH Mancil Construction Company providing custom-built tennis courts and running tracks.

While he was dedicated to his profession, Billy’s greatest loves were God, his family, close friends and fishing. He was an avid saltwater fisherman who found deep peace and joy on the water. That love ultimately led Billy and Mary to Seagrove Beach, Florida, in the early 1980s where they later made their permanent home.

As an Auburn University Alum, he loved Auburn! He created a legacy that focused on quality higher education and commitment to integrity, perseverance, grit and unwavering faith.

Billy was a faithful servant of the Lord and longtime devoted member of Point Washington United Methodist Church. His strong faith, quiet leadership, steadfast commitment and servant’s heart led him to serve as an ordained Baptist Deacon during his years in Montgomery, Alabama.

Billy’s biggest love was family. He loved children deeply and took special joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their laughter, visits, and love brought him immense happiness and comfort. He shared a special love of baseball with his grandson Taylor and his great grandson Benjamin. He attended every game possible. Meredith made sure he rarely missed Benjamin’s baseball games and took immense pride in cheering him on from the stands. Billy had a sweet and protective spot for his “girls” and delighted in attending their special events as well. He traveled to Louisiana to watch Sydney play volleyball, he attended Annie’s many ballet performances, and to support Josie cheering for her team. In his later years he especially enjoyed going to Mary Allison’s academic awards ceremonies, school events, and celebrations. He never missed a birthday party! His latest love was the addition of grandbaby Charlie whom brought great joy and comfort, Billy left behind a legacy of God’s love and unconditional love for those blessed to know him.

Through his devotion to his family, Meredith and her family made sure Billy was involved in all things “family” and tradition right up to the end of his life.

Billy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Louise Mabry Mancil; grandson Benjamin Anderson Spence, Jr; parents Ethel Barfield Mancil and Huey Mancil; brother Donnie Mancil; brother-in-law Grady Motes; mother and father-in-law Josephine Carroll Mabry and William Gregory Mabry; brother-in-law William J Mabry; sister-in-law Denise Hodnette Mabry; brother-in-law Gregory C Mabry; nephew Neal Mancil, and niece Allison Mabry. He is also preceded in death by his dear friends Ted and Millie Bozeman of Hayneville, Alabama.

He is survived by his sister Rebecca Mancil Motes; brother Wayne Mancil; brother Michael Mancil (Martha); and brother-in-law Jody Mabry; Nephews Jon Mancil; Mark Pickens (Gloria); Jim Mancil; Will Mabry; and Gregory Mabry; Nieces Margaret Mancil Cosby (Chris); Judy Pickens; Nicole Mabry Sager; and Natalie Mabry.

He is also survived by his devoted daughter and caregiver of the past seven years Meredith Mancil Spence (Benjamin); daughter Merribeth Mancil Bazzell (Tommy); grandchildren Josie Spence Michie (Brian); Annie Spence Toole (Adam); Taylor Mancil Bazzell; Sydney Meredith Bazzell; great-grandchildren Mary Allison Michie; Benjamin Hugh Michie; and Charlie Spence Toole.

Billy and his wife Mary were very social and enjoyed the company of many life-long friends who became family. He is survived by lifelong, childhood friends Joel King who visited Billy regularly over his final years; Kenneth Hart; Max Matthews; and his favorite “side-kick” and caretaker since 2019 Linda Sortino.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Barclay in Santa Rosa Beach and Gentiva Hospice. These angels of earth provided exceptional care, kindness, and dignity to Billy during his most vulnerable years. The extra attention from special staff and friends making banana sandwiches, banana pudding and ensuring he had a shrimp dinner made his final weeks extra special and loving. Words will never be able to convey the love shown to him by these special people.

Billy will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Billy’s honor to The Children’s Advocacy Center in DeFuniak Springs, FL, or Gentiva Hospice.

Service details will be forthcoming