Herbert Wesley (Billy) Wind
February 16, 1940 – October 26, 2026
Herbert Wesley (Billy) Wind, son of the late Hamilton and Catherine Stephens Wind, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 26, 2026 at the age of 86. Billy was born and raised in Cairo, Georgia, where he attended all grades of school in the Grady Country School System. He was a graduate of the Cairo High School Class of 1958.
After graduation he chose to attend North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia for his freshmen year. He then transferred to Troy State College (now Troy University) for his sophomore year where he pursued a degree in math for which he had a passion and talent for. He graduated in 1963 with a B.S. Degree of Mathematics.
He began his teaching career immediately after graduation working for the Dougherty County School System. He loved the challenge of creating ways to engage and spark the interest of his students within the specific subjects of calculus, geometry, and algebra.
After three years of being an educator, he returned to Cairo, with persuasion from his father, to help in the daily operations of the family-owned business, The Messenger Publishing Company. There he quickly learned the business, and the art of production of high-quality custom press printing. He provided a multitude of custom order printing products to Cairo and the surrounding communities for 45 years. He then retired his position as President and Co-owner of the business in 2006, as the next generation of Wind’s took the reins.
With more time on his hands, he was able to enjoy his antique tractor and fixing anything broken. This included using his skills to build ramps for the handicapped and repairing houses for those in the community that were in need. Mission projects were not considered work for him as he found enjoyment helping others, particularly those who were victims of unfortunate circumstances. His natural instinct to love others, particularly his family, has left an everlasting impact on his children and grandchildren, and those who experienced his compassion.
Billy was someone content with living a simple life for himself, but always made above-and-beyond efforts to better the lives of all those he loved. With no interest in fame or fortune, he focused on goals of engineering creations and inventions that he could construct and put to use.
The true center of his life, other than his family, was ultimately his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, of which he was a servant and disciple through all areas of his life. He was an active member of the Cairo First Methodist Church, where he served on various committees throughout the years, which included many years as Sunday School Teacher, and as usher chairman for the church. One of his favorite activities was being a member of the cooking crew for Methodist Men Monday night gatherings. One of the best meals in town could be had on those nights.
He met his wife Mary Evelyn Wind while in college at Troy University. They were married for 62 years. Mary easily adjusted to becoming a Syrupmaker fan and band booster as her husband took Friday night pictures at the games.
He is preceded in death by his parents Hamilton and Catherine Wind, his brother Robert Hamilton (Bobby) Wind (Anne Wind, deceased), and his infant brother who died at birth.
Survivors include his wife Mary, son Herbert Stephens (Bert) Wind, daughter Melodee Wind Loeffler (son-in-law Brent) of Bainbridge, Georgia, grandson Mark Wesley Loeffler of Macon, Georgia, granddaughter Catherine Piper Loeffler of Bainbridge, Georgia, nephews Randolph (Randy) H. Wind, Patrick (Pat) Marvin Wind, and cousin Robert Edward Wind, Jr.; special sisters-in-law Betty Faye Jones and Mildred J. Baxley both of Samson, Alabama; and other extended family members.
Services will be held Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Cairo First Methodist Church, with visitation held at 10:00 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. Interment will follow at the family plot in Cairo Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Randy Wind, Rufus Morgan, Brent Loeffler, Mark W. Loeffler, Stephen McKinnon, and Kin McKinnon.
Honorary Pallbearers are Ron Spooner, Charles Manny, Carter Morton, Charles Giddens, Charles Stafford, Randy Rhea, Charles Davis, Britt Finch, John Ross Finch, Sid Pridgen, Chuck Tyler, Tommy Smith, Howard Thrower, Ron Sellers, and Gene Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any one wishing to give a memorial in memory of Mr. Wind consider the following organizations which were very special him. Cairo First Methodist Church, 318 S. Broad Street, Cairo, Georgia 39828 or The Help Agency of Grady County, PO Box 1452, Cairo, Georgia.
