Billy D. Downey

Billy graduated high school in Milano, Texas. On January 27, 1995, he married his beloved bride Karen Wimpey Downey. Billy retired from Gifford Hill after 41 years of service in Crandall, Texas, to pursue his passion as a rancher and farmer. When not working cattle or cutting and baling hay, Billy enjoyed spending time in the mountains of Talpa de Allende, Mexico. Billy left a lasting impact on the landscape as he served as President of the Levy District for Ellis and Dallas Counties. A true cowboy and devoted believer, Billy was always willing to lend a helping hand, from fixing a broken tractor to rounding up stray cattle. He was also an avid reader of history and the Bible.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Donna Mozelle Downey, his brother James Elvin "Bo" Downey and his sister Barbara Elaine "Jane" Popham.

Billy is survived by his wife Karen; sons, JW Downey and wife Heather and Billy Lee Downey and partner Kristin; chosen daughter, Anna Walls; grandchildren, Kaydin, Hunter, Nathan, Chase and Berkley; siblings, Dora Little, Dorothy Wilson and partner Cecil, Martha Paschall, Mary Dockall and husband Gerald, Jack Downey, Jerry Downey, Linda, Cotton, Katherine "Sissy" Clifford and husband Trevor, Roy Kyle "Bubba" Downey and wife Jan, Glen David "Butch" Downey and partner Jerri Anne, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many chosen children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, we have set up a scholarship fund to continue his legacy in the Farm and Ranch Industry https://bold.org/scholarships/billy-downey-memorial-agriculture-scholarship/

Pallbearers include: Billy Lee Downey, James Perry, Mike Rush, Tom Howell, Glen David "Butch" Downey, and Jared Mahanna.

Visitation will be Friday, May 17th, 2024 at Roselawn Funeral Home in Seagoville, Texas between the hours of 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Billy's Life will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at Chandelier Farms in Terrell, Texas between the hours of 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Interment following the Celebration of Life will occur at the Faulkenberry cemetery in Groesbeck, Texas. The drive is approximately two hours from the venue in Terrell

Special thanks to Georgia Swoveland and Jared Mahanna for their immense help through the end of Billy's life.