Billy Joe Hastings was born February 11, 1928 in Maypearl, Texas to C.P. and Beatrice (Meader) Hastings. He grew up and received his schooling in Texas and moved with his family to California in 1948 to Cantua Creek. They later moved to Avenal. Billy worked in agriculture all his life and enjoyed driving tractor. He took pride in his work and was known for pulling straight rows. Billy has been a resident of Wasco the past 20 years moving to be near his sister, Bonnie Johnson after his retirement. While in Wasco he attended the United Pentecostal Church and later when he moved to Shafter attended the Shafter Freewill Baptist Church. Billy was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Bonnie Johnson who passed away in 2005. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Eddie Johnson of Wasco; nephew, Rod Walker and cousins, Connie of Comanche Lake and Nelda of Corcoran. A graveside funeral service will be held Friday, February 1, at 2pm at Wasco Memorial Park for Billy Joe Hastings, age 79, who passed away January 28, 2008 in Shafter. Pastor Dean Long of the Shafter Freewill Baptist Church will officiate and interment will follow.