Billy Carlton

Billy Carlton, also known as Mr.Kool Aid, Off the Hook and Nehemiah, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 27, 1957 to the late Joseph and Shirley Colton.  Billy and his father would spend their time together working on race cars, and playing with CB radios.  Anengine from one of their old race cars is still sitting in the garage today.

Billy was the youngest of three children.  Even though all their sibling rivalry he was the closest to his sister Donna.  Together they went roll-skating, drag racing and hung out with friends.  They were tough as nails and no one wanted any problems when dealing with them together.  Billy would often call Donna around midnight and they would spend hours talking with each other.

He graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in 1975 and went in the Armed Forces.  He received an honorable discharge in 1979 and went on to work for the coal mine as a coal hauler.  After a few years passed he started hauling cars for a New Haul Transport.  Billy began working at Amoco Gasoline where he worked for over ten years.  After leaving Amosoco, Billy began working for Stafe Call as a touring bus driver.  While working at Stage Call Billy had the opportunity and privlege not only to drive but personally get to know various celebrities such as Anita Baker, Jesse Jackso, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Lil Richard, Tim McGraw, Rolling Stones, Blackstreet, Tupac and TI just to name a few.  He retired as an independent CDL truck driver in 2018.  No matter the employer Billy worked for, he always developed lifelong friendships and connections.

Billy met Karen Scott in 1980 while skating at the Homewood roller skating rink.  They married in 1982 and had one son LeMonye Lee Carlton two years later.  Billy opened his own beaut salon after graduating from Bobby J Beauty School right in the heart of Shadyside.  The ladies always left with their hair fried, dyed and laid to the side.

Billy could make friends with anyone, LOVED  to talk and always had some type of ADVICE to give.  He always was learning and never turned down a challenge.  Through his various jobs, he was able to travel the world and see almost EVERYTHING.  Eventually through his adventures he landed in Atlanta where his heart remained even when he returned to Pittsburgh.

Billy Carlton rededicated his life to Christ...and was a member of IUIC (Isrealites United in Christ). He shared his knowledge and teachings with his son and made sure LeMonye had a personal relationship of his own with the Most High before returning home to his resting place. Billy's final adventure was opening a boxing gym for the community, where he was training amateur boxers to go pro. Billy truly lived an adventurous , prosperous and fulfilled life. His legacy will live on through his son.

Billy departed this vessel and his soul returned home on August 27, 2020. He was preceded in death by hia mother and father, Vivian (Shirley) Colton, Joseph E. Colton. He leaves to cherish his memory son; LeMonye L. Carlton (Shatea); siblings; Donna Colton and Joseph Colton; cousin: Emmanuel Oakes; nieces and nephews: Noel, Jerrod, Carlos and Andre Colton and a host of other relatives family members and dear friends.

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