Funeral services for Billie Gene Williams, 88, of Lufkin, will be held at 1:00pm, Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Gipson Funeral Home in Lufkin with Rev. Mark Newton officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6-8pm at Gipson.
Mr. Williams was born on March 8, 1931 in Hughes Springs, Texas to the late George Clarence and Lillie Pearl (Callaway) Williams. He passed away on April 11, 2019 in Lufkin. Billie had a contagious smile and dearly loved his family. He was married to Dorris (Howle) Williams for 68 years and as a celebration he renewed their wedding vows on their 65th Anniversary. He and Dorris loved to Square and Round Dance with each other and they shared that love with fellow dancers as they travelled to enjoy dance clubs across the US. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lufkin, Lions Club, Senior Kiwanis and he was a 60 year member of the Texas order of A.F.&A.M. in Cass County Lodge 147. He was a true friend of Mr. Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. and he was always generous with his time in helping others whenever or wherever they needed a friend. Billie came from a family with a long history of service to our nation in the armed forces and he and Dorris dedicated over 20 years to the United States Army where he completed assignments as an Army Aviator flying fixed wing aircraft and helicopters in Korea, Germany, Vietnam (2 combat tours) and a variety of stateside locations before they retired and settled in Lufkin, Texas. His military service was distinguished by decorations that include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Valor Device, (20) Strike Flight Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and various personal and unit citations. After the Army, Billie served in a management position at Lufkin Industries until he retired from his second career in 1992.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Williams is preceded in death by his brothers, George and E.L. ‘Skee’ Williams; his sister, LuJuan Kouri; and his son, William ‘Matt’ Williams.
Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Dorris; his son and daughter–in-law, Paul and Debbie Williams of New Braunfels, TX; and grandchildren, Emma Williams of San Diego, CA and Joshua Williams of Norfolk, VA; and Matt Williams’ surviving spouse, Maleia Williams; and grandchild, Christopher Williams of Lufkin, TX.
Mr. Williams will receive Military Honors at the Garden of Memories Memorial Park and he will be escorted to his final resting place by pallbearers, Ensign Joshua Williams, Christopher Williams, Jeff Howle, Kyle Belschner, Jeff Buchanan, and Jesse Howard.
Memorial contributions may be offered in Mr. Williams’ name to the First Baptist Church of Lufkin Building Fund (http://www.firstlufkin.com/giving/) or the 1st Cavalry Division Association, Ia Drang Battle Scholarship fund (https://1cda.org/scholarships/).
Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.
Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com
