Billy was a faithful Marine who served our country from 1968-1972. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant E-5 Billy F. Janssen of the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed playing golf, though he was an average player. Whenever he had a crown and water in his hand, he had a great time, and his golf game got better. He loved fishing with his wife in Port O'Connor every weekend when he was not playing in a golf tournament. He also enjoyed deer hunting in South Texas with his wife and his sidekick, "The Chanek," as Billy would call him. As a child, Billy would go with his dad to gauge wells and help him by getting his dad's tools; he was his dad's gopher. This is where he learned his steadfast hard work ethic.
Billy was a proud owner of J & J Pipe and Supply, Inc. and Janssen Lease Service, Inc. in Ganado, Texas. When Billy returned home from Vietnam, he went to work for his dad in the oilfield, pushing a crew. One of the men in his crew, "Lupe," would teach Billy one new word in Spanish every day, and Billy would teach "Lupe" the same word in English. He started the supply end with his father in 1979 in his father's chicken coop behind his parents' house.
Billy had a BIG heart for giving and helping people. He always called his employees "His Family." They came to him for advice, and he loved every one of them as if they were his own. He always thanked God every day for all his blessings and had a positive attitude about life. He also had a sense of humor in every situation. He never gave up.
Law enforcement was very important and was supported by him. He had a deep compassion for the Texas Rangers and First Responders and was a lifetime member of The 100 Club in Jackson County, Victoria County, and Wharton County.
Billy Janssen is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Raunda Wittig Janssen of Victoria, his son David Janssen, and his two grandchildren, Dylan and Payton, all of whom reside in Pearland. He is also survived by his brothers, Elgin and Timmy Janssen of Victoria. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sisters, Connie Susan Janssen and Donna Faye Janssen.
Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to any organizations that were close to Billy's heart, including Hospice of South Texas, Habitat for Humanity, The Vine School, The 100 Club, Bluebonnet Youth Ranch, or Adopt a Pet.
