For those with questions, here's the gentlemans' Facebook page who started the GoFundMe:
Facebook
I've corresponded with him prior to donating and decided to trust...
I'm also told by the organizer that Billys' bank account is actually the one tied to the GoFundMe.
Further message from Michael Patterson:
He tells me the donations so far have been instrumental in paying for some of the cremation costs.
He also recommends that anyone with questions about the validity of the GoFundMe contact Billy directly via the business phone line: 731-613-9192.
Lastly, he also is telling me Billy is having an understandably tough time with all this, so if you need to call, please be gentle.
There are no memorial/funeral plans in concrete as of yet.