Billy Jones, AKA Phyllis Killer

In the 1960s, a man named Billy Jones began hosting popular gay events like the "Sarah Siddon Awards" in Savannah.

As drag performer Phyllis Killer, he also hosted the “Phyllis Killer Oscar Awards” every year from 1968 until early 1980s to honor contributions to Atlanta's gay community. In the 1970s, Jones began attending Fourth of July parties in Pensacola, Florida with friends that eventually drew thousands of attendees. The annual parties still continue today, drawing thousands of gay men and lesbians from across the Southeast.

Jones died at the age of 81 in 2003, leaving a large collection of gay Atlanta memorabilia to the Atlanta History Center. The service for his funeral was completely planned and scripted by Jones himself. When they closed his coffin, attendees were instructed to applaud in honor of his life. In true Billy Jones style, pallbearers carried the coffin out, the brought it back into the room for a final curtain call.