Billy Gene Williford

Billy was born November 1, 1939 in Kountze, Texas to Dick and Blanche Williford. His family moved to Beaumont when he was in the sixth grade.

Billy graduated from South Park High School in 1958. He continued his education graduating from Lamar College in 1963 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He was employed by Gulf Oil Company from 1963 until 1971 working at both the Port Arthur, Texas and Venice, Louisiana locations. During his five years in Port Arthur he filled several positions as a Senior Mechanical Engineer. In 1968 he was transferred to Venice as Supervisor of Maintenance and Construction as well as Fire Chief.

He and his family returned to Beaumont in 1971. After working for Mobil Oil Company a few months, he changed careers and became a businessman. In 1972 he opened a used car business, American Auto Sales, which he owned and operated until he retired in 2009. Billy took great pride in this business of purchasing, making ready, selling and financing vehicles. He was a great salesman but it was his compassion and consideration for customers that made him so well liked. He was well respected in the business community and a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Texas Auto Dealers Association.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and time spent with family and friends was very important to him. Billy loved the outdoors, gardening, camping and fishing. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, children, other family members and friends. He also enjoyed baseball and football -- his favorite teams being the Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys. Billy was an avid poker player and participated in area and national tournaments including the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. His poker playing friends and acquaintances called him "Beaumont Billy".

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Dick Williford and Blanche Mayea and a brother, Robert Williford.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Margaret; sons, Tray Williford of Beaumont, Texas; Mark Williford and wife Lisa of Hot Springs, Arkansas; sisters, Barbara Brooks and Deborah Armstrong; sister-in-law Gloria Sturrock and husband Lester of Parrish, Florida, grandchildren, Chad Williford, Amber Hanley and husband Clint, Paige Williford, Emily Williford, great grandchildren, Lillie Williford, Kyleigh Hanley, Kynzie Hanley, niece Michelle Jakelis and husband Todd, their children Taylor, Conner, Cooper, nephew Todd Sturrock. Extended family: Tray's ex wife Gana and her daughter Brooke, grandchildren Sierra Klunk and husband T.J., Shelby Hasstedt, great grandchildren Preston Klunk, Emma Hasstedt.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral

services for Mr. Williford will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Condolences may be offered at www.forestlawnmpfh.com.

.

Condolences may be offered at: www.forestlawnmpfh.com.