Billy G Masters

Billy Gene Masters went home to the Lord on Friday, May 15, 2026. Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Earline Masters, his parents James Arthur Masters & Willie Mae Dodd Masters and his brother JC Masters. He has 5 kids – Phronsie Johns of Houston, Tx, Jim Shannon, wife Lori of Lake Jackson, Tx, Linda Motl, husband Larry of Wichita Falls, Tx, Pat Davis of Ma, Debbie Saenz, husband Adolf of Silsbee, Tx., He has 11 grandkids - Sherry Contrerez, Jack Johns, Colin Shannon, Melissa Varazlic, Melinda Rojas, Alicia Morais, Lori Cronister, AJ Saenz, Arlie Saenz and Kelsey West. He was blessed with 20+ great grandkids.

Billy was born October 20, 1935 in Jena, La, he moved to Pineland Tx in 1949. He served in the Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956, earning the rank of Corporal (E-3) when he was honorably discharged. He earned an accounting degree from the local business college in 1957, taught accounting classes there, then went to work for Mobil Oil until he accepted a position working for the Army and stevedoring companies on the docks of the Port of Beaumont. He was hired as Assistant Dock Superintendent at the Port of Beaumont in 1965. He worked his way through the ranks at the Port, expanding his experience and knowledge over 20 years, until he earned the position of Port Director in 1986.

Billy Masters made many positive contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Port of Beaumont. His leadership earned him the election as president of both the Gulf Ports Association and the Texas Ports Associations in 1991. He was re-elected in 1999 to the board of directors of the American Association of Port Authorities that represented 160 public ports in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

His contributions to the Port of Beaumont were unparalleled. Under his direction, the Port expanded its cargo base to include new commodities such as forest products, iron and steel, aggregate and bulk materials, while maintaining traditional cargo. He expanded and modernized the Port infrastructure, including state of the art rail to ship transfer facilities, additional acreage for future expansions and established a presence in cyberspace with an internet website that, at the time, received international recognition from the American Association of Port authorities. Billy’s contributions to the Port of Beaumont laid the foundation for continued growth and success that is continued today.

Billy was motivated to succeed and encourage others to do the same. He was very proud of his family and felt very blessed to have them. He was a follower and lover of Jesus Christ.

He will be missed greatly but his family is comforted knowing that he was ready to be with the Lord.

Serving as pallbearers will be AJ Saenz, Colin Shannon, Jack Johns, Kaleb West, Larry Motl, and Adolf Saenz.