Billy J. Paskins

Billy J. Paskins, 62, of Lancaster, passed away on July 11, 2025 at his residence. He was born to Nancy Hanley and the late Stanley Paskins Sr. on August 28, 1962.

When your heart shatters into a billion pieces, and one of the people who has always been there to help mend a broken heart, to share all the ups and downs, to help fix the mess ups that I have made, my dad was my guiding light, my rock, my best friend. We always just want one more moment to cherish, one more memory to hold, one more chance to say I love you. My dad has taught me so many things; life is the most valuable gift that should be cherished. I always watched my dad show love, kindness, generosity, and grace even when people did not deserve it. I saw during this last month a side of my dad I had never seen before: unwavering courage, bravery, humility. He was brave for his family. He went in to have open heart surgery. I know he was scared, but he went in to try to help give us a better life. He missed life before he was having problems. He wanted to be able to walk down to the park without getting tired, or to be able to play with his grandchildren without getting winded. He wanted to be there for them when they graduated, when they had children. They were his pride and joy. He would move heaven and earth and do anything to make sure we were okay. He loved his family more than anything in this world. This surgery was supposed to give dad his life back, and it took it away. It’s not because of his care team. They all did amazingly, and words cannot say how grateful I am to them. They did everything possible to give him the one thing that he wanted more than anything else in the world his life back. He wanted my children to remember who he was before he was having health problems. My dad could light up the room; he always was trying to get people to smile and laugh. He was always a happy-go-lucky person. He was one of the strongest people I know. He would always fight for what he believed was right, no matter the consequences. He loved his family and friends more than anything in this world. He knew the value of loved ones and understood that we are all on borrowed time. Growing up, he never let me give up; always held me to a higher standard. Even when I wanted to give up as an adult, he would not let me. He always reminded me that I could do it, and he was here. Now he isn’t. No longer one phone call away. Daddy, thank you for never giving up on me and making me into the strong, capable, independent woman that I am today. I miss you so much. I know that you are proud of me, and you love me. Daddy, I know you were strong enough to fight this, but your body gave up, and I know you’re not tired anymore. I know you’re watching over us. Daddy, I love you and miss you so much. I’m sorry I didn’t know fix your broken heart would break mine.

He is survived by his children, Ashley (Jesse) Gacek and Billy (Sarah) Paskins Jr.; grandchildren, Madison, Christian and J.J.; brothers, Stanly (Amy) Paskins Jr. and Cody McLean; mother, Nancy (James) Hanley; nieces and nephews, Megan, Tyler, Andrew, Madilyn, and Alex Paskins, and Tia Parker, Stacy Brentlinger, Brian Hill, and Hayden Boggess; and step-siblings, Jimmy, Debbie, Tina and J.J.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Pam Paskins and Debbie Paskins Pam Buchanan, and Donnie Southers; and his father.

Caring Cremation® has taken place by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME. To leave an online condolence and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.