A graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2013, in Elmwood Memorial Park Mausoleum with Lowell Schmidt officiating, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene.
Billy (Bill) Joe was born June 6, 1929 to Gussie Alfred Sanders and Bessie Pendergrass Sanders in Lubbock, Texas. He was raised and attended schools in Albany, Texas. Bill married Betty Gail Cook on December 15, 1949 in Albany. In 1950, they moved from Albany to Abilene, Texas. Bill owned his own Exxon station for many years. He also worked as a service advisor in the automotive industry for Max Fergus and Fred Hughes until his retirement in 1991. Bill was a huge Dallas Cowboy’s fan. He attended the Trinity Nazarene Church.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents (1964); his wife, Betty Gail Sanders (11-24-1995); and two sisters, Ruby Clark and Lois Guess.
Survivors include three daughters, Vicki Gautreaux of Rowlett, Texas, Debi Schmidt of Amarillo, Texas, and Sherri Sanders of Lewisville, Texas; a granddaughter, Toni Cox Noe; grandsons, Kyle Cox and wife Ginger, Eric Gautreaux and wife Christy, and Jason Gautreaux and wife Brandie; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Courtnie, Colton, Abbott, Preston, Chloe, Daphney, and Karrington.
