Billy James Mooty

Billy "Bill" James Mooty was born to Luther and Ruby Mooty on December 23, 1926 in Abilene, Texas. Bill graduated in 1944 from Abilene High School at the age of 17 and joined the United States Navy. He made Seaman 1st Class by pitching softball on the Island of Okinawa. While in the Navy, Bill served on the U.S.S. Antietam (CV-36) 13 1/2 months sea duty, going ashore at Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Manila, and Hong Kong.

In 1946, after his discharge from the Navy, Bill worked for Fitzgerald Tile Company as a tile setter until he joined the Abilene Fire Department on April 5, 1957. Bill made Lieutenant October 1, 1961 and entered into the Fire Marshal's Office December 1, 1963, working under Fire Marshal Len Blackwood. Bill went through the Police Academy in 1974, graduating and becoming a certified peace officer.

Bill was appointed Fire Marshal on May 23, 1978 after the retirement of Len Blackwood. He kept this position until 1987. Bill then went to work as a Municipal Court Bailiff for the remainder of his career, retiring January 1, 1993. Bill taught fire safety for many years at Texas A & M, Bryan, Texas, as well as attending the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland for several years. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and Daddy, Luther and Ruby Mooty; his son, Michael; his grandson, Billy Mooty; one brother, Hubert Mooty; two sisters, Jerlene Massengale and Mary Goodwin; three brothers-in-law; and five sisters-in-law.

Bill is survived by his wife, LaVern Mooty; daughter, Diane Elkins and husband, Randy; one sister, Patricia Miller and husband, Wayne; two granddaughters, Melia Sheppard and Chandra Anderson and husband, Greg; eight great-grandchildren, Michael Mooty, Jacob Mooty, Kevin Harris, Bradley Anderson, Harley Anderson, Trayle Sheppard, Cache Sheppard, and Jonathan Peredes. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Ruth Maxwell and husband, Bud; and several nieces and nephews. Bill will be truly missed by all.

We wish to thank Dr. James Wray and his nurse, Julie; the nurses on A4 and A6 at Hendrick Medical Center; and most of all for the love and compassion of the nurses of the Hospice floor at Hendrick Medical Center. We love all of you. Also, a special thanks to Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home for their compassionate services to our family.

Funeral services for Bill will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 17th, 2010, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Highway 277 South, with Pastor Roy Meksch (Pastor of Harvest Baptist Church) and Chaplain Chris Hale (Abilene Fire Department) officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Hope at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Online condolences and guestbook may be posted at www.elliott-hamil.com.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601; the Alzheimer's Association, 301 South Pioneer Drive, Suite 105, Abilene, Texas 79605; or The Humane Society, 3811 North 1st Street, Abilene, Texas 79603.