Our Classmate, Lori Ogden Wilheit posted this on Facebook, July 4,5  2019:

12-11-2018: Billy passed away at 5:00 pm on Monday, December 10, 2018. He’d been in St. Francis Hospital’s ER ICU since the last part of November.

Billy Reed Tinker
July 22, 1955-December 10,2018
Columbus, GA-

Billy Reed Tinker, 63, of Columbus, GA, died of complications of pneumonia at St. Francis Hospital on December 10 2018, surrounded by family and friends. Billy was born in Durham, NC on July 22,1955 to SFC Billy Thomas Tinker and Edda June Midkiff Tinker. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Katherine (Tiny) Tinker Stroup. He is survived by one sister, Deanna T. Trotter of Columbus, Ga, several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was a Protestant and attended Bible Study regularly. He graduated from Baker High School in 1973, where he played the tuba in the school band. Billy also earned an Associate degree in electronics from Columbus (GA) Technical College. He worked for Georgia Quick Start, traveling throughout the State of Georgia instructing electrical and safety classes.
Billy had many interests and hobbies, including writing poems and songs. He also enjoyed traveling. As a young man, he rode his motorcycle round trip from Georgia to California, sightseeing in both directions.
The family requests that if one would like to make a donation in Billy's memory, please send it to Living Grace United Methodist Church, 3969 Edgewood Circle, Columbus, GA. 31907. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Published in Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Jan. 7, 2019