SSG William “Billy” Friese

30, US Army

July 18 is the anniversary of the passing of SSG William “Billy” Friese, 30, of Parkersburg WV.  Let us honor and remember him, his mother Cathy Teehan also of Parkersburg, and his many family members. Billy was born Sept 28, 1988.

SSG Friese, a West Virginia Army National Guard soldier, was assigned to the 821st Engineer Company, 1092nd Engineer Battalion, 111th Engineer Brigade, in Summersville, West Virginia, SSG Friese died July 18, 2019 while serving in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. 

Billy graduated from Parkersburg South High School in 2007 and earned an Occupational Associate Degree in Specialized Diesel Technology and Management from WyoTech in June 2013. He joined the West Virginia Army National Guard in 2008 with assignment to the 111th Engineer Brigade. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant during his 12 years of service and was deployed to Camp Buehring, Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to serve as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 821st Engineer Company. He was previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 with the 1092nd Engineer Battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Billy grew up in Rockport, on an old gravel road, hunting, catching crawdads, playing/fighting with his siblings and drinking grandma’s sweet tea. He was country and a little bit hillbilly, and proud of it. He loved his family and friends and served his country proudly. He had the biggest heart and saw the best in everybody. Billy was incredibly generous (sometimes too generous), and never met a stranger. He lived life out loud, in the moment, and good or bad, always meant the best. When Billy was around it was “Country Roads” and “Amazing Grace”. He loved to sing boldly and loudly. He did EVERYTHING boldly and loudly. He was unpredictable, brave and mischievous. He could make you laugh, make you happy, make you crazy. He was completely smitten with his bub, Christian and his princess, Sarah. Billy was a big, loveable goofball who will be fondly remembered and fiercely missed.

Billy is survived by 2 children, Christian Alan and Narissara “Sarah” Srimoung.

Let us always remember him, his family and…

Say His Name.

#GoldStarMothers

#SayTheirNames

#goldstar

#rememberthefallen

#goldstarfamilies

#goldstarbridgeride

#NeverForget

#army

#nationalguard

Mayor Robert Shafer

City of Summersville, WV