Billy Rader was elected as Panama City Commissioner Ward 3 on May 15, 2007.

            Billy was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1956.  After college he, his wife Becky, and the entire Rader family moved to Panama City, Florida in January 1978 and built the Ocean Opry Show at Panama City Beach.  With a strong musical background in his family, the Rader Family owned, operated, and performed at their 1,000 seat theatre for 28 consecutive years in Panama City Beach.  In doing so, they brought in nationally recognized talent and performed along side with many of the top Grand Ole Opry stars from Nashville, Tennessee.  Having been very involved in many local organizations and several charitable functions, the Rader Family soon became a fixture in Bay County area, the entire Gulf Coast, and southeast region.  He and his family hosted countless TV telethons and several local and national charitable fund raising shows and events.

            Billy was a member of the original Panama City Beach Seafood Festival board of directors, and served as the entertainment coordinator along with his dad, Wayne.  He also has a passion for hard-work ethics and the love of Panama City.  He believes strongly in giving back to his community.  He was also a Panama City school teacher for 9 years teaching music, fine arts, and various string instruments.  Communicating with folks and being a good listener, while using common sense is important to Billy.

            Billy is a member of the Florida League of Cities and is the representive from the Panama City Commission to serve on the Bay County League of Cities.  He also serves as the representive for the West Florida Regional Planning Council.  Also, he is a member of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

            Strong family values and using common sense is important to Billy.  He and his wife Becky have been married for 31 years.  They have two children; Shawn 25, and Ashley 18, who currently attends Gulf Coast Community College. Their two children both attended Bay county schools and graduated from Bay High School.  Shawn is married to the former Jennifer Stepp. They have one child Sheila, and one on the way.  Always the family man, Billy coached little league baseball and football for 10 years and served on PTO commitees while his children were growing up.

            Billy is deeply committed to the future of Panama City.  Preserving our unique city and its past is important to him.  But he also believes we should move forward responsibly and prepare for the future.  In his own words, "It is a great honor and priviledge to serve the citizens.  Not only Ward 3, but the entire city of Panama City."