Billy Ray Whitehead, CMSgt, USAF (Ret)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Billy Ray Whitehead on March 30. 2023. Born in Eustace, TX on April 16, 1934, Bill was the youngest child of Eula May (nèe Busby) and Frank Cisero Whitehead. Despite growing up in poverty, he never let family circumstances dampen his spirit. He always shared fond memories of spending his childhood swimming in the creeks, fishing, and playing with friends. At the age of 17 he spotted a US Air Force recruiting truck and the next day was on a bus to Lackland AFB marking the beginning of a successful 23 year Air Force career.

Bill served three remote tours to Vietnam and Greenland. He met his wife Dolores (Dee) in 1970 while stationed in San Antonio, and eventually retired there with his family in 1975. Bill completed his professional career in civil engineering at Brooks AFB in 1995 and made good use of his retirement travelling the world with Dee. After 20 years of adventures he finally settled down to enjoy fishing at the coast, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and spending time with family. He was a student of history, an avid reader, and really knew his way around a kitchen. A social butterfly, Bill could always be found regaling strangers and friends alike with his favorite stories and anecdotes. He loved being with people, but none more than his wife of 53 years with whom he spent each morning enjoying coffee and reading the newspaper.

Bill Whitehead is survived by his wife Dolores; his children Ray Whitehead (Diane), Lee Whitehead (Betty), Lisa Whitehead Smith (Brad), and Jennifer Whitehead Hammond (Tony). His grandchildren Jillian Smith, Brad Whitehead (April), Taylor Whitehead (Lauren), Alec Smith, Ana Victoria Smith, Tiago Ramos, and Jianna Ramos; his brother Virgil Whitehead of San Diego, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; beloved grandson Trey Hammond; brothers, Louis and Johnny Whitehead; and his dear sister Mae Malone.

A visitation for Billy will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, Texas 78148. A committal service will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #3, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.