Billy G. Yelverton

 Billy Gerald Yelverton passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the age of 83 surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Pineville, Louisiana on April 1, 1940 to Louise and Martin Yelverton, they moved to Baton Rouge in his childhood. Upon graduating from Baton Rouge High School in 1958, Billy joined the U.S. Army and served in Texas and Louisiana for 4 years with an additional year in the Reserves. He was proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country.

A man of many interests, Billy drag-raced modified stock Corvettes in his early days. An avid outdoorsman, he loved sharing his passions for hunting and fishing with his family and friends.   Billy fished for decades on the Bassmaster circuit as a semi-pro, moving into a co-angler on the FLW tour in his later years.  He was also a gifted artist and gardener in his free time.  Billy took pride in being the original owner of his 1970 Chevy El Camino, which he refurbished and won many awards at classic car shows in recent years.

Billy’s professional life was dedicated to beautifying Baton Rouge as a hair stylist and salon owner.   He began is career at Allen & Rex until opening his first salon, Bill’s Hairdressers, in 1963.  As his clientele grew, he opened Metamorphosis Hair Salon on W. Chimes Street at the south gates of the LSU campus.  Billy expanded Metamorphosis by opening the first free-standing hair salon in Baton Rouge on Old Jefferson Hwy, as well as additional locations in the Baton Rouge area.  He was proud of the stylists who worked for him; winning local and national awards for their creative work.  During his career, Billy was appointed Chairman of the State Board of Cosmetology by the Governor.  Billy’s passion for his clients and his career lasted until his final days.

Billy was preceded in Heaven by his mother, Louise Brister Yelverton; his father, Martin Faulk Yelverton; brother, Marty Joseph Yelverton; and niece, Develyn Louise Dupeire.  He is survived by his sister, Rita Yelverton Uzzle; his daughters, London Yelverton Thornton (husband, Doug), Brittany Yelverton Morvant (husband, Josh Fuller), and Bilee Yelverton Nelson (husband, Lance); his beloved grandchildren, Andrew, William, Crawford (Thornton), Lennon, Grant, Luke (Morvant), Brinley Nelson; his little dog, Gumbeaux; and his long-time companion, Virginia "Ginger" Hartsfield.  He had a special appreciation for his former wives, both Phyllis Arnold Ernsberger and Sandy Altazan Mapes, and their wonderful families.  He was loved and respected by his family, friends, and colleagues through the years.

 Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Resthaven located at 11817 Old Jefferson in Baton Rouge beginning at 1:30 pm until the celebration of life and memorial service at 3:00 pm.  A private burial will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Billy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Tunnels to Towers, or Companion Alliance where he adopted his little love, Gumbeaux!  Billy, Dad, Pawpaw will be missed by all who knew and loved him.   His smile and beautiful blue eyes will live on forever in our hearts.