Billy Joe was born in Jacksonville, Texas on December 2, 1935. He was preceded in death by his older brother Milton, his mother, Mary Beulah, and father, Sam, as well as his daughter Melinda. He is survived by his wife Rosa Lee, son Michael and daughter-in-law Linda, grandson, Nathan and wife Anita and their children Samuel and Emma, and grandson, Steven and husband Jason.
From his humble beginnings in Maydelle, Texas helping his father tend their country store, Billy Joe made his way on to a life of service both to his country and his state. He served for a brief time in the National Guard, then transitioned to a long career working for the State of Texas. He began at the Rusk State Hospital as a worker in the supply room but soon moved up to business manager for Denton State School. From there he moved his family to Lubbock, Texas where he helped to open the Lubbock State School. After many years there he moved his family to Austin, Texas where he worked for the State Board of Control. He ended his career there as the Director of State Purchasing and General Services.
One job was never enough to fill the talents of a man like Billy Joe, so while still working for the state he moved his family one last time to Round Rock, Texas in 1972. Shortly thereafter, in 1974, he opened Killion Auto Sales, a used car dealership. There he served the then small community for many years before ceding the business to his son, Michael, and oldest grandson, Nathan. Yet even long after he was no longer an active part of the business he often stopped by for coffee or to see old customers and friends. He loved to spend time with the friends he’d made over the years eating fried oysters, fishing along the coast or at Lake Buchanan, or telling stories of many wild escapades that they had involved themselves in back when the world was a smaller place. Billy Joe will be missed by many.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church Round Rock 306 Round Rock Ave Round Rock, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the funeral service following at 11:00. A lunch reception will follow the funeral. The burial will take place at 3:00 PM at Capital Parks Cemetery 14501 N IH 35, Pflugerville, Texas.
