Family will receive friends on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at White's Funeral and Cremation Services, 867 S. James Rd., Columbus, OH 43227. 

William Walter “Billy” Cain, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on August 8, 1957, Billy was a lifelong resident of the Columbus community.

A graduate of Columbus East High School, Billy was an outstanding athlete, excelling in cross-country, track and field, and basketball. Beyond his athletic prowess, he was a talented musician who played the clarinet in the marching band and was a self-taught pianist. He furthered his education at Ohio University, where he spent three years majoring in childhood education with an emphasis on special needs.

Following his time at university, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for 16 years and receiving an honorable discharge. As a Navy SEAL/UDT—a dream he held since childhood after watching frogmen retrieve astronauts from the sea—he served with immense dedication. His service included roles as a Quartermaster 1, navigating two warships around the world, and as a U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms. He also served as a vital member of a joint Navy, DEA, and Coast Guard task force. Of his team, his SEAL commander once said, “If anyone knew all the things they did, they failed.”

Discipline was a characteristic he lived. If you asked him a question, be prepared for him to say “no.” And if he didn’t want to do something, he would tell you plainly. But if you needed help, Billy would be there. He didn’t chase ribbons and awards. His greatest desire was to teach and to help people—because most people never try to reach their potential. “That is where God meets you.” Billy tried.

After his military service, Billy applied his discipline and work ethic to a variety of roles, including serving as a Corrections Officer for the State of Ohio in Madison County, and working for Abbott Industries, Ross Laboratories, and The Kroger Co. as a Loss Prevention Supervisor.

His lifelong passion for martial arts began at the age of seven with judo, eventually leading him to study many different forms. His unwavering discipline and commitment culminated in his achievement of a 5th-degree black belt in the American Bando Association.

Billy is survived by his beloved sister, Shirley Ann Cain; his nephew, David (Gale) Cornute; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Walter Cain, Sr. and Pinkie Mae (Doughty) Cain, and his sister, Rosemary (Cain) Cooksey.

Billy also expressed his wishes clearly—he told his nephew that he wanted to be cremated, with his ashes placed in a moving body of water, so he may find his way back to the sea.

Repast: Following the service at 12:30 p.m. at The Berwick, 3250 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH.