It is with great sadness that the family of Boyce Noell “Bill” Harlien, Jr. announces his passing on July 11, 2019, at the age of 60 years. He passed away at the Hendrick Hospice In-Patient Unit in Abilene, Texas with his sister by his side. Bill was born on July 5, 1959 in Texas City, Texas and graduated from Hamilton High School. He was the son of the late Boyce Noell Harlien and Nora Neville Harlien.
Bill and his mother had many friends in the Hamilton and Lamkin area. He enjoyed his trips to the local grocery store, barber and going out to eat catfish with his mother on Friday nights. Bill loved listening to his country music, writing people’s names and birthdays on his magna-doodle; playing with his dogs and cats; loved to swim; and was always a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys and The Dukes of Hazzard. Once he met someone, he would always remember their birthday and remind his mother to call them to wish them a happy birthday.
Most importantly, Bill loved his Family above all else. When something was not going well, Bill would say “Look at the bright side.” If Bill could say that, there shouldn’t be anything for us to complain about. Bill will be greatly missed by all, but his warmth, smile, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered and live on with us all forever.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Walter “Butchie” Luce, Jr. and his sister Lydia McGhee.
Bill is survived by his two sisters: Lana Hassell and husband Vernon of Clyde, Texas; Lecia Adams and husband Joe of Abilene, Texas; sister-in-law Carrol Luce of New Braunfels, Texas and brother-in-law Richard McGhee of Belton, Texas; and all his loving nieces, nephews and numerous relatives and friends.
Services will be at Riley Funeral Home 402 W Main St, Hamilton, TX 76531 on Monday, July 15, 2019 at 10:00am. Graveside services will follow at Toliver Cemetery in Lamkin, Texas.
Pallbearers will be nephews Alex Luce, Kevin Craig, Chris Craig, Justin Walker, Colby Boatwright, Bobby Grimes and Jason Baird.
Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care (www.hendrickhospice.org), 1651 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601; or the Special Olympics Texas at www.sotx.org.
