“In the short time I’ve known Billy, I’ve picked up on his desire to help other tinters,” says Tony South, Owner of Precision Tint in Greenville, S.C. “Billy has always been willing to answer even the most basic questions. He’s always shared his advice and tips in an effort to help the industry. I want his knowledge to live on.”
Honoring a Legend
Billy Aiton, a seasoned window film industry veteran with a career spanning four decades, faced heartbreaking news in December 2023. He received a diagnosis of stage four liver cancer and was given just three months to live.
To commemorate Aiton’s invaluable contributions to the window film industry, South has established a dedicated Facebook page titled, Billy’s Tinting Wisdom: Honoring a Legend.
“Billy Aiton, a revered figure in the window film industry, has left an indelible mark through his legendary expertise,” shares South, who met Aiton at the first-ever Tinter Battles in Houston, Texas, in 2021. “Known for generously imparting his extensive knowledge, Billy has been a guiding light for fellow tinters. In this space, we gather to celebrate Billy’s enduring passion for sharing his wisdom. Explore a treasury of his videos, a testament to his dedication to the art of window tinting. Join us in celebrating Billy’s impact on this industry as we continue to learn and grow from the wealth of insights he graciously shared with the community.”
Shannon, Billy’s wife of 18 years, will be hosting a celebration in honor of her husband’s life on January 20, 2024 at the Arizona Center in Phoenix, Ariz. South plans to launch the new page during the gathering.
Fighting Together
Diagnosed with a Grade 2 Meningioma brain tumor in June 2022, South holds sympathy for Aiton’s battle.
“That period was difficult for me,” shares South, who entered the window film industry in 2020 after working as a massage therapist for 26 years. “I remember posting a flat-glass related question in Window Tinters United on Facebook. Billy called me and talked with me for an hour and a half. That was when I realized how generous and welcoming the industry is.”