Billy Gene Stovall

Billy Gene Stovall passed away at his home on Saturday, February 13, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a tough guy with a heart of gold.

Billy was born on April 11, 1946 in Granite, Oklahoma to Lester and Anita Stovall. He was raised on a cotton farm along with his older brother Glen until the family moved to Odessa in 1958.

“Wild Bill” or “Wild Eye” as he was known by his family joined the Navy in 1964. He served on the USS Maury, a survey ship off of the coast of Vietnam until 1967.

After working in the oil field for a year, Billy started his 28 year career with the Odessa Fire Department on January 3, 1968. “Mugsey” as he was known in the fire department promoted to driver in 1974, Captain in 1977 and Battalion Chief in 1988. Mugsey retired from the Odessa Fire Department on April 11, 1996. He truly loved his firefighter buddies, even his “rookie puke dogs”.

Billy was a pool hustler in his younger days. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping out and gambling with his friends. He especially enjoyed his place at Lake Amistad. He really enjoyed entertaining his family and friends at the lake after his retirement. “He was hell when he was well and wasn’t sick very often.”

Billy was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Anita Stovall, and a step-daughter Leigh Ann Koenig.

Billy leaves behind his lovely wife Rosemary, step-son Josh Born and their dog Lucy; a daughter Brianna Stovall and grandson Andrew; a step-son Hugh Koenig, daughter-in-law Kay and their children Colby and Kelsey; step-daughters Ginger and Jill Cooke; a brother Glen Stovall; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be given to the Odessa Fire Department Benevolence Fund at the City of Odessa Employee Credit Union. We would like to thank all of the family and friends that visited and attempted to visit when dad was so very sick. A special thank you to Winston, Kavin, and Irene for all of their love, help and support.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2010 at the Life Change Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Braswell officiating.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.

Arrangements under the direction of Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home (7510), Odessa, TX.