Billy Lyle Crites

Billy was born Feb. 26, 1933, in Rusk, Texas, and was the eldest son of Ben Lyle Crites and Una Davis Crites. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his younger brother, Charles Crites, and his beautiful granddaughter, Kassi Crites.

Billy was raised in Midland and graduated from Midland High School in 1951. While in high school, he was a part of the Midland High band. He met his future wife, Gloria Virginia Little, in 1950, and the two became High School Sweethearts. After graduating from high school, Billy worked for Sun Oil Co. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 and served in the Korean Conflict and two tours in Vietnam. Billy married Gloria Nov. 15, 1952. During his Air Force days he and his wife had two children, Robert and Stacey. He retired from the Air Force in 1972, after 20 years of service, at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. After retirement, he moved the family to Midland and went to work for Drilco Industrial as a manager.

Billy had a love of motorcycles, golf, mechanics, and guns, but nothing was better than the love he held for God and his family. He thoroughly enjoyed playing a round of golf with his son or teaching his daughter how to change her own oil. Billy was a long standing member of the Tall City Roadriders Motorcycle Club, and greatly enjoyed getting on his bike and riding all day long. He has 4 living grandchildren that loved and adored him, and one who was waiting for him at Heaven’s Gates. Billy was a loving husband, a wonderful father and an all-around awesome Paw-paw.

Billy is survived by his wife of 61 years Gloria Crites; son Robert Crites and wife, Kay; daughter, Stacey Moore and husband, Richard; grandsons, Sean Crites, Jordan Bynum, Blake Bynum and Carson Carlisle; numerous nieces and nephews, and a long list of cousins.

We will hold our memories of you close to our hearts forever. You taught us so much about life that we will carry through our own paths of life. We love you forever and always.

Family will receive friends on Friday, Dec. 13 at Ellis Funeral Home between the hours of 6:00pm and 8:00pm. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1:00pm in the Chapel at Ellis Funeral Home with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.