Billy H. Hees

Billy was born to Henry and Loraine Hees on August 25th, 1931 in Manor, Texas.

Billy attended Austin High School, pitching for the Maroons baseball team during which he was on the 1948 Austin State Championship American Legion team that advanced to the national semi-finals. After high school he chased his dream of playing professional baseball for the Austin Pioneers, Roswell Rockets, and Beaumont Exporters.

The highlight of his career was pitching a no-hitter with the Roswell Rockets, the proceeds from which were used to purchase an engagement ring for his future wife, Anne Marie.

Following his marriage to Anne Marie, Billy was drafted into the Marine Corps to fight in the Korean War where he proudly served his country.

After an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps, Billy continued his career with the Austin Pioneers and was invited to participate in minor league spring training with the St. Louis Cardinals. Following the end of his baseball career, he graduated from Nixon Clay Business College.

Billy spent most of his career as the Director of Budget with the Texas State Agriculture Department where he retired after 30 years of service. In retirement he helped Anne Maire with her real estate and insurance business.

Billy’s favorite past times included spending time with his “favorite grandchildren”, taking care of his immaculate lawn (and his family’s lawns), playing golf, and vacationing with his beloved family.

Billy was a long-term member of the First Evangelical Free Church where he served as a trustee. In his later years he was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

He is proceeded in death by his cherished wife Anne Marie and his sister Jenette Steger. He is survived by his son Gregory Hees (Miriam), granddaughter Jillian Lampley (Tyler), grandson Bradford Hees, and great-grandson Cameron Lampley.

A service will be held at 10 AM on September 15th at the Cook-Walden Funeral Home on North Lamar Boulevard in Austin. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations sent to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Hees family.