Our Billy's Bees Story
The Beginning
I never intended to become a beekeeper. But I have a curious, busy mind that goes in all sorts of directions, and I never know where it will take me.
One day, a buddy mentioned that he had taken up beekeeping. He shared a jar of honey with me, and after my wife had a few tastes, she said, “Hmmm…you could do this.” After a bit of research, I realized that bees are among the most intelligent, and most fascinating creatures on God’s green earth! They pollinate most of our food sources, so they are vital to our survival! I was hooked!
YouTube became my best friend, and I began attending bee club meetings and conferences. I bought my first two hives, and the bees that go with them. I studied and learned as much as I could. My first year of beekeeping was not very successful, and I realized that a mentor was the missing piece. I sought out more experienced beekeepers, and followed their advice, and things began to improve.
I have had the good fortune of growing from two hives at my home, to nearly 40 hives in four, soon to be five, locations, and have been given the opportunity to speak at public libraries and garden clubs. I am honored to have been nominated, and hopefully, will be elected as the next president of the Walton County Bee Keepers Association. An opportunity arose recently to partner with the Walton County Master Gardeners to educate the public about the importance of bees, and their role in pollination of beautiful gardens, and our food sources.
Surprisingly to some, my focus in beekeeping, is not the amazing honey that bees produce. I love to teach, and enjoy sharing my knowledge with others who are interested in beekeeping, whether it be for honey, or for the preservation of the bees, our environment, and food supply. I raise, and sell queen bees, as well as nucleus colonies of bees, that include the queen, and the other bees that the hive requires. Included are initial instructions on raising the bees purchased. I also offer an ongoing mentorship program, for a reasonable fee, to new, and established beekeepers.
During my early years, I lived in Greenville, S.C., and moved to Doraville, Ga., when my Dad accepted a new job there. I also love to build things, so I decided upon home construction, including historical renovations, instead of pursuing college. Even though I grew up in suburban Atlanta, I enjoy outdoorsy activities, and am now retired, and make my home in Walton County, with my wife, our dog, and her horse.