Funeral services for Billy George Janous, Sr., 83, of Belzoni, MS, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Belzoni. There will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the service time. He passed away on June 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on October 15, 1942, to Esther Tisdell Janous and Frank Bernard “Buddy” Janous of Belzoni, Mississippi, where he remained a lifelong resident.
Billy George graduated from Humphreys County High School and attended the University of Mississippi on a football scholarship before returning home to help operate the family farm. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Faye Fondren, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, hard work, and deep family roots.
With determination and vision, Billy George became a highly respected and successful Catfish Farmer. He and his father were among the first families in Mississippi to successfully grow commercial catfish fingerlings in the late 1960s, helping to shape what would become one of the state’s most important aquaculture industries. Among his many honors, he was awarded Catfish Farmer of the Year in 1988.
Throughout his life, Billy George served his industry and community with distinction. His leadership roles included serving as Secretary/Treasurer of Producers’ Feed, Vice President of The Catfish Institute, Vice President of Delta Council, and Vice President of Catfish Farmers of America. He also served on the Board of Directors for Farm Bureau, Twin County Association, Delta Pride Catfish, and the Belzoni‑Humphreys County Foundation. He was also a founding member of Delta Wildlife, where he served on the Board of Directors for many years, reflecting his lifelong respect for the land and the outdoors.
Billy George lived life to the fullest. He loved hunting, snow skiing, horseback riding, and sharing every adventure with his family and friends. His energy, strength, humor, and joy for living were contagious, and he created memories that will be cherished forever.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Esther Tisdell Janous and Frank Bernard “Buddy” Janous; his brothers, Frank Bernard Janous (Judy); Kenneth Tisdell Janous and his great‑granddaughter, Georgia Scott Henderson.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Evelyn Faye Fondren Janous; his daughter, Kelly Janous Kiker (Scott) of Belzoni, MS; his sons, Billy George Janous Jr. (Leigh) of Madison, MS, and Jay Bradley Janous (Carrie) of Belzoni, MS. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: granddaughters Ashlyn Kiker Morton (Logan) and Jordan Janous Kiker; and grandsons William Janous, Connor Janous (Sarah), Caleb Janous, and Cooper Janous. Each of them carries forward his legacy of integrity, generosity, and love.
The family would like to send special thanks to his caregivers, who provided such compassionate, attentive care and supported him with dignity and kindness during his final months.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the American Cancer Society or the Friends of Children’s Hospital.