Billy C. Hilborn

Graveside service: 2 p.m. Friday in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association, alz.org, which helps funds research and provide support programs and services to families of Alzheimer's victims.

Billy was a cheerful, kind and energetic man who made friends everywhere he went and was always the first person to lend a helping hand. He was born in Dallas on Aug. 31, 1931, to Fred Charles Hilborn and Sarah Catherine "Sally" Gregory. His father was a veteran of World War I. Billy served with the Army's First Calvary during the Korean War and received a Purple Heart. After the war, he eloped with the girl who won his heart, Rose Ella Childress, and worked as a tenant farmer alongside his father-in-law, Alva Childress, in Mabank. With a growing family to support, the Hilborns moved to Dallas, then Garland and then to Euless, where he lived the rest of his life. During these years, he drove a truck for Central Freight Lines for 14 years and spent the rest of his working life with J.A. Majors Co., retiring as the book distributor's warehouse manager. After retirement, he stayed active sacking groceries at the Euless Kroger and earned exceptional tips for serenading his customers.

Billy had diverse interests, including square dancing, fishing, the art of van Gogh, opera music and the books of Louis L'Amour. He was a Mason for over 40 years. His favorite pastime was listening to and singing along with the music of Hank Williams. Even in his twilight years, when other interests had faded, he still serenaded friends with Hank's songs. Billy will not be forgotten by anyone who knew him.

The Hilborn family gives grateful thanks to the staff of Envoy Hospice for their absolute devotion to our sweet father.

Survivors: His loving wife of 64 years, Rose of Euless; son, Dennis (Patricia) of Haslet; daughter Cathy Arduini (Peter) of Euless; son, Randy (Kathy) of Whitesboro; grandson, Josh Falls (Elizabeth) of Bedford; granddaughter, Sarah Harp (Chad) of Calera, Okla.; and great-grandsons, Dillon Harp and Grant Falls.

Arrangements under the direction of Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, Colleyville, Texas.