BILLY VAN CALAME
Billy Van Calame passed away peacefully at his home in Wortham on March 15, 2021, at the age of 97. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 18, at the Victory Full Gospel Fellowship Church in Wortham, with the Rev. Mike Fault officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, followed in the Wortham Cemetery.
Billy was born July 29, 1923, in Wortham, to Floyd and Neva (Ross) Calame. After he graduated from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. While defending his country during World War II, he received the Purple Heart Award for being shot and struck in the back by a grenade. Billy had no regrets in serving, but always maintained that he was proud to have served and defended the country he loved.
Billy married his lifelong partner, Helen Estelle Greer, on March 30, 1946, and they were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He and Helen were happily married for 63 years, prior to her death. His love for God and family was always unconditional; God first and family second. He was a longtime active member of the Victory Full Gospel Church. He loved his church family; they were a big part of his life and love for God.
Billy’s love for children extended beyond his own. He loved his many nieces and nephews like his own. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years, touching the lives of many young men through camping at Boy Scout camps, and Lake Tehua, for a week of multiple camping experiences.
Billy was a hard worker his entire life. He owned the Wortham Lumberyard and worked at the Post Office while also maintaining a successful cattle operation. His last employment years were spent working for D.P. Frost, running the scale house. When he had some free time, he enjoyed fishing and running trot lines.
His children loved and respected Billy for not only being a wonderful, loving Dad, but for being an all-around “Special Man” who will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Neva Calame; and his wife, Helen Calame.
Billy Van is survived by his three children, Billy Floyd Calame and wife Tammy of Jefferson, Charlie Van Calame of Wortham, and D’Anna Baker and husband Charlie of Groesbeck; grandchildren Katrina Kelly, Eric Van Calame, Chad Donovan Baker, Ashlee Sparks, Kyle Calame and Justin Calame; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; sister Dorothy Steelman; family friend Lana Calame; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visit www.blair-stubbs. com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.
