Mr. Felts was born at home in Houston, Texas on April 20, 1921 to George and Jennie V Felts. He grew up with one brother, Earl B Felts and a host of friends and family. Billy graduated from Milby High School in 1939. From high school, he went to work for Peden Iron and Steel. After World War II broke out, Billy volunteered for an ordnance group being formed here in Houston. The group was known as the 557th Heavy Ordnance Tank Group. The 557 started in Texas and eventually had men from nearly 40 states. His group served all over Europe. He worked on trucks, tanks and vehicles used by the American armies in Europe. After returning to Houston, he went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. His future wife, Jessie Irene Livingston, put Billy on the payroll for the phone company. Billy married Jessie Irene on June 1, 1945 at Houston First Baptist Church. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Beverley Ann Raif and Sandra Lee Ribble.
Billy is survived by his two daughters, Beverley and Sandra. He has two grandsons, Christopher Allen Raif and Jeremy Lee Ribble. There are three nephews, Ronald E. Felts, Donald G. Felts, and Michael D. Felts and sister in law Doris Felts along with many great nieces and nephews. Billy has 2 step children from a second marriage after the death of his first wife. William Negrotto and wife Cathy and Amanda Negrotto Hall who also are from Houston.
Billy retired from the phone company on June 29, 1984, with over 38 years of service. He loved fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed yearly reunions of his Army group, the 557th, which met for 50 years. The group began meeting in 1961 in Buffalo, Texas and ended their reunions in 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Billy will be greatly missed.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ronald Felts, Ronald Felts Jr., Donald Felts, Michael Felts, Jeremy Ribble, William Negrotto and Cliff Price.
