Billy Ed "Wild Bill" Harlan

He was born on June 28, 1930 in Marlin, TX to Earl and Helen Harlan. In the early 40s he relocated to Clute, TX where he spent the remainder of his life. On January 9, 1951 he married Alice Sue, the love of his life, and they went on to have 3 children.

He began his career in the oil fields before switching to ironworking, a job he worked for 35 years. He also worked for Precinct 1 for 6 years. In the early 50s, his hobby was racing and working on dirt track stock cars. In 1966, he began his ranching career which he continued until his death.

Billy Ed believed in a hard day’s work; nothing should be given, only earned; the integrity of a man could be determined by the strength in his handshake; and family always comes first.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Alice Sue (Turner) Harlan; 2 children Billy Ray “Tinker” Harlan and wife Sonja of Clute, Robert Harlan and Carolyn Huisman of Clute; 6 grandchildren, Stephanie and Sean Croft, Steven and Dallas Harlan, Jamie Eaves and Steven Wade, Nicole Harlan, Erin and Nick Dayton, and Natalie Harlan and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his Parents, Earl and Helen Harlan; siblings, Marie Rhodes, Earl “Doc” Harlan, Mildred Brothers and Georgia Cook; and daughter Mary Sue Eaves.

Visitation is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Lakewood Funeral Chapel. A funeral is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Lakewood Funeral Chapel, the burial to follow at Restwood Memorial Park. Rodney Coates from Emmanuel Baptist Church will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Billy Ed’s life. Pallbearers are; Don Greek, Tyrus Jeffers, Sean Croft, Steven Harlan, Nick Dayton and Steven Wade. Honoree pallbearers are; Zack Evans, W F Gonzalez, Don Davis, Dan McDougal, Bob Kyle and Wade Cook.

The family would like to thank Shirley Blackmon for her loving care and support and IPH Hospice for their service.