Billie Massey

Col. Billie J. Massey died June 14, 2025 at the age of 94 in Hot Springs AR. His is a remarkable story of a man who overcame childhood trauma and loss and built an amazing life dedicated to God, family, and country.

Billie was born in Archer City, TX in 1931 to Earnest and Jewell Massey. Billie lost both parents at a young age and was separated from his younger siblings Margaret Lue and Edward for many years. He was raised by a loving aunt and uncle in Tulsa, OK.

Billie attended the University of Oklahoma, but was not meant for school. His dreams and sense of adventure led him instead to a USAF recruiting office. He joined the Air Force and earned his pilot wings.

He was training in Las Vegas when he met the love of his life. Billie returned from Korea in 1957 to marry Schevaun Robinson of Rawlins, WY. They were married over sixty years and raised four accomplished children with families of their own.

Billie Massey’s young family followed him around the world, living in the Philippines, Europe, and several parts of the U.S. Over the course of his 26-year military career, he served three combat tours in Vietnam, flew 26 different airplanes, and earned numerous medals and accolades. Billie flew more combat hours in the Vietnam conflict than any other USAF pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism.

Following his military retirement in 1976, Billie finished his MBA and had a successful second career as a Comptroller for McMurry College, a small business owner, and a real estate professional. Once he returned to his roots in Texas, he renewed his relationships with his brother and sister, making up for lost time from their youth. Bill and Schevaun retired to Hot Springs, AR in 1987 and enjoyed travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Billie lost Schevaun in 2021, and while he was sad and sometimes lonely, he never lost his love of life and family. Billie was blessed with many friends, and he lost his special girlfriend Ann Hill too soon. After some time, he met the second love of his life, Judy, who has been a blessing for all of us.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lue, and his wife Schevaun. He will be forever loved and missed by survivors including his brother, Edward (Merrilyn) Massey, his girlfriend Judy Wehunt of Hot Springs, AR, and his children John (Joni) Massey of Hot Springs, AR; Margaret “Maggie” Campbell of Arlington, TX; Hanora “Nonie” (Stuart) Lay of Hot Springs, AR; and James (Lezlie) Massey of Anacortes, WA.

“Poppie” leaves a strong family legacy, and will be missed and loved by his eight grandchildren and five great -grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and dedicated caregivers at Garrett Woods Retirement Center where Billie and Schevaun lived their final years. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Texas Shriners Hospital, a charity he supported his entire life.

A funeral mass and reception is scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hot Springs, AR.