Deacon Billie Joe Folmar

Billie Joe Folmar was born September 14, 1936, in Luverne, Alabama, to the union of John and Lucille Folmar. He attended Crenshaw County Training Technical School and was a member of King’s Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1953 he enlisted to the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1956 with the rank of SP3 (Specialist 3rd Class), and came to Lorain, Ohio. He then transferred to the United States Army Reserve and was Honorably Discharged in 1961 with the rank of SP4.  

While serving in the Army Reserve, Billie met his wife, Lois. He became a resident of Elyria, Ohio where he worked in the city’s sanitation department. In 1964 they moved to Lorain where he later became employed at U.S. Steel. Following a layoff from U.S. Steel, he found employment with the Fruehauf Trailer Company in Avon Lake. After working for a while at Fruehauf, he eventually gained employment with the Ford Motor Company at its Lorain assembly plant, where he worked for many years in the paint department before becoming an inspector in the garage. He retired from Ford after more than twenty-five years of service. During his employment with Ford, where he was called "BJ", he was an active member of the UAW Local 425 union, having served in various capacities that include the UAW Citizenship and Legislative Committee [often referred to as the Community Action Program (CAP)] and as a UAW Retiree Chaplain.  

Billie was a member of New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church for more than 6o years, joining under the leadership of the late Rev. Cornelius Spraggins, and continued under the leadership of Pastor Tyrone Holley, the late pastor’s grandson. Billie served ministries of the church in various capacities, including positions as past president of the senior choir, past Chairman of the Deacon Board, and Chairman of the Trustee Board. He was very instrumental in the church purchasing and building on the land at its current location. He was known as Deacon Folmar throughout many area churches and well-liked by many people. He was a person who never met a stranger.    

Additionally, Billie was one of the founding members of The Seven Travelers, a gospel singing quartet group. The group regularly performed at local community events and churches throughout Ohio and other nearby states. He was also a member and treasurer of The Friendly Promoter Club and president of their Booster Club. Every Sunday morning The Friendly Promoter Club promoted gospel music and community churches on the WOBL-WDLW radio station out of Oberlin, Ohio.   

His favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, gardening, going to flea markets, traveling, and visiting family and friends living near or far. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cleveland Guardians. He also enjoyed watching old westerns and the evening news.   

Billie peacefully transitioned on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. He will be missed by his devoted wife, Lois L. Folmar (née Capers); four children, Linda, Kermetta, Kelvin, and Marva; two grandchildren, Talisa and Morgan; four great-grandchildren, Torean, Jermaine, Sage, and Skylar; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends, especially the Mullins family and his longtime friend who was like his brother, Ronnie Sheets, and his wife Faye.

Billie was preceded in death by his parents, John Folmar and Lucille Folmar (née Harris); his brother, Willie Gene Folmar Sr; and his twin sister, Betty Folmar.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, 3880 Dayton Ave, Lorain OH 44052. Elder Tyrone Holley, Pastor, will officiate. Burial with military honors will be at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst.