Billy was born on May 5, 1932 in Big Spring, Texas, the first born child of Willie and Mayme Merritt Deel. He is preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother, Joe Deel. Billy is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Sharon Lee Deel, his son, Steven Deel (Carolyn) of San Antonio, Texas and daughter Karen Deel Jones (Larry) of Arlington, Texas, 4 grandchildren, Angela, Kimberly, Andy and Tim, his brother, George Deel of Blue Springs, Missouri and sister, Jeannine Van Meter of Abilene Texas.
At the young age of 17, Billy joined the U.S. Navy and he proudly served our country attaining the rank of Chief ADRC/E7 which he held until his retirement in 1972. Corpus Christi was his last “port of call” and became the permanent home for Billy, Sharon and family, but it was far from a traditional retirement as
Billy began many new chapters in his life. He received his degree in law enforcement from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, while continuing to work in the Civil Service sector at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station and as a volunteer Reserve Police Officer for the City of Corpus Christi. Billy later became a Deputy Sheriff with the Nueces County Sheriff’s Department and Deputy Sheriff for the County of Refugio. He volunteered with numerous organizations and was a member of the Al Amin Shrine Temple and Shrine Band and a 33rd degree Mason. Billy had many life-long accomplishments and aside from his love and devotion to God and his family, one of his greatest joys was opening his own civil process serving company, Texas Civil Process, Inc. Billy worked tireless hours serving legal papers in cities across South Texas. When he wasn’t working, you could find him at the bowling alley, perfecting his scores in order to compete in national competitions. He also loved his volunteer work with Gideons International and on Saturday mornings, he and fellow Gideons members shared the Gospel of the Lord by delivering bibles.
Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 S. Bowen Rd., Arlington, Texas, 76016 and a graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75211.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to kindly request a donation to be made in loving memory of Billy Deel to Gideons International, Corpus Christi, Texas or Al Amin Shrine Temple, Corpus Christi, Texas.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Randy and Pam of Bristol Hospice for the excellent care provided and to Atria Senior Living Community for their kindness and support.
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