Celebrating the life of
William Joseph Manucy, Jr.
September 13, 1948 - October 24, 2025
William Joseph Manucy, Jr., known fondly as Billy, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia, the city where he was born and spent much of his life.
Billy was the son of the late William Joseph Manucy, Sr. and Helen Beranc Manucy. He was a proud husband to Brenda F. Manucy, his devoted wife of 29 years.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Dwan Maxey Lester (Lamar), Gene Maxey (Julia), and Maria Etzle (John); great-nieces and nephews Lamar Lester (Marilyn), Hunter Lester, Winn Maxey, Helen Maxey, Katie Etzle, Sean Etzle, and Johnny Etzle (Stephanie); “sister” Martha Noonan and special cousins Molly Ray-Dueboay (Kimmie) and Bobby Ray. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Vivian Maxey.
Billy grew up on Tybee Island and attended St. Michael’s School. After high school, he proudly served four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. Using his G.I. Bill, he later attended Ohio State, where he became a Master Cosmetologist.
While in Columbus, Billy operated a salon in one of the well-known hotels and did the hair of many Hollywood stars that played in the local Broadway theaters. Later he returned home to Savannah, where he met the love of his life, Brenda. The two were married in 1996 at St. Michaels, beginning nearly three joyful decades together. Billy later opened Manucy Hair Studio, which he operated successfully until his retirement.
He was an active and joyful member of his community, organizing and marching every year with the Doherty Clan in Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where he was known for his humor, warmth, and “Irish spirit.”
For over 25 years, Billy served as choir director at St. Michael’s Church, alongside organist Helen Stevenson. He also taught music classes at St. Michael’s School, donating all proceeds from his lessons to student scholarships.
A man of many talents, Billy loved to cook and even authored a cookbook titled “Great Cooking Mistakes” in 2006. Billy had a beautiful voice and loved sharing it—singing at weddings, family events, and funerals. His renditions of Ave Maria and The Lord’s Prayer touched countless hearts.
Those who knew Billy will remember him for his kindness, compassion, humor, and generosity. He never met a stranger, and he was always eager to lend a hand.
Above all else, Billy loved his family and friends deeply. He now joins his best friend of over 65 years, Kenny Douberly, in eternal peace.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Savannah for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savanah, GA 31406.
There will be a memorial mass at 11:00 am on Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Michaels Catholic Church. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am.
Brenda, I am so very sorry to learn of Billy's passing. He always such a nice and kind man to me whenever I was in Savannah. Please accept my condolences and know I will cherish having gotten to know you both through our mutual friend Ken
- Buster Pasco, Saint Petersburg , Florida
Brenda and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Billy was a great southern gentleman and a good friend. I loved to hear him sing. I image that he and Vivian are together going over the times they had with friends. He will be missed. Jackie and Charlie
- Jackie and Charlie Brown, Tybee Island/Metter, Georgia
Dear Brenda, we are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers
- Susan & David Ason, Tybee Island, Ga
Billy was such an entertaining character. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
- Ellen Manucy Kilpatrick, Savannah, GA
Billy was such an entertaining character. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
- Ellen Manucy Kilpatrick, Savannah, GA
I hate to see this. Billy was such a delight to be with. Our deepest condolences to Brenda and the rest of the family.
- Michael Vaughn , Savannah , GA
Brenda, we are sad to hear about Billy. He was such a Godsend to our mother during her last years and always brightened up her day when he visited. Prayers of comfort for you and your family.
- Kit Kennedy Miller, Athens, Georgia
Billy was a friend of many years. He cut our family's hair and my mom cleaned his home and shops. Billy graced us with his beautiful voice when my grandmother died. His soaring rendition of Nearer My God to Thee left us all in tears. A true Southern gentleman, a Tybee legend, an Irishman thru and thru, and a good, decent man. Sing His praises in the Heavenly choir, Billy. Godspeed.
- Terri (Brown) and Michael Patillo, Savannah and Tybee, GA
A candle has been lit!
Godspeed.
- Terri and Michael Patillo, Savannah and Tybee , GA
Aunt Brenda my thoughts and prayers are with you with love
- Michelle Rumfelt, Walterboro, SC
We are so sorry to hear that Billy has left us.I have wonderful memories going all the way back to High School and our adventures at Tybee and our surprise reunion at the Columbus Opera. We will never forget his care and kindness to my sister, Beverly. Jim, Lara (who you both charmed), and I send love and condolences to you. May the angels lead Billy to Paradise.
- Julia Slappey Sergi, Waleska, Ga.
Billy was my hair dresser, fellow traveler, and friend. He had a good heart, great love for Benda and his family and friends, love of Ireland, great voice, and the Irish ability to make a short story long (and more interesting). He shall be missed but heaven is a bit more lively with him there.
- Sheila Winders, Savannah, Georgia
Brenda and family, Billy was a great neighbor. He will be missed.
- Laura Henning, Savannah, Georgia
I knew Billy and his humor was always a fun and smiles . He will be missed. Prayers for Brenda and all the family. May Hod have his arms around family this whole week .
- Therese Robertson, Tybee island , Ga
Brenda, I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. I enjoyed seeing him at Publix all the time. He was our "cuz". I will miss him. May God give you his peace during this time of sadness.
- Carol and William Ray, SAVANNAH, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 10-11 a.m. on Mon, October 27, 2025
- St. Michael's Catholic Church
-
802 Lovell Ave. (map)
Tybee Island GA 31328 - 912-786-4505
- Memorial Mass
- 11:00 am on Mon, October 27, 2025
- St. Michael's Catholic Church
-
802 Lovell Ave. (map)
Tybee Island GA 31328 - 912-786-4505