VASSILI B. (aka WILLIAM / BILLY) VOLKOV
10 APR 1945 – 16 JUL 1997
Billy was born in Persianovka, Rostov, Russia on April 10, 1945 during the worst of the repressive Stalin years. The practice of their Christian Molokan Religion was strictly forbidden. Billy’s family emigrated to the United States via Ellis Island on the ship “Vulcania” – departing Naples Italy on Feb 13 and arriving in New York on Feb 25, 1956. His Father Alexey and mother Maria (nee Praskudina) were accompanied by their 6 children: Peter, Feodor, Evdokia, Vassili (Billy), Alexy, and Ivan to begin a new life. Their immigration papers listed them as “Stateless” where a nation of origin should have been shown. They settled in Tulare County, California – just outside of Fresno, a very large Russian Molokan Community
He married Stella M (nee Vidinoff) B1945 on 7/26/1964 then divorced Sept 1966, they were married a second time on 1/1/1971. They divorced for a final time 5/13/1981 in Pierce WA.
Billy entered the Army on 22 Apr 1969, he joined K Co., 75th Infantry (Ranger) in early 1970 serving on several Ranger Teams in the Central Highlands. He was honorably discharged 2 Nov 1976. Upon being discharged, he returned to California and worked as a welder.
Billy died in the Veterans Affairs Hospital while a resident of Porterville, Tulare County, California on July 16, 1997 at the age of 53. He was buried in Woodville Public Cemetery, Woodville, CA.