Billy George Waldrop Sr.
Billy George Waldrop Sr., longtime Limestone County commissioner, passed away Nov. 6, 2018, at his home in Coolidge at the age of 91. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at the United Methodist Church in Coolidge with the Rev. Robert Barnett and the Rev. Neely Reynolds officiating. Interment followed in the Prairie Hill Cemetery with Graveside Masonic Rites.
Cody Waldrop, Kit Waldrop, Andrew Russell, Derek Stanley, Kyle Henderson, B.J. Ewell, Bobby Pistler, Hunter Graham and Kent Jackson served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Ward, John Ward, Bubba Carter, Mercer Buchanan, Bruce Jordan, Joe Michael Russell, Ray Forrester, Ray Black, J. D. Middleton and Robert Mathis.
Visitation with the family was from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.
Billy was born Dec.13, 1926, in Prairie Hill to Stell Waldrop Sr. and Florence T. Green Waldrop. Being raised on a farm in Prairie Hill, he learned that farming and ranching wasn’t easy, but it was something he loved and continued throughout his life. Billy wore many hats during his working career. He was not only a farmer and rancher but served 24 years as a county commissioner, was a director of two banks, a director of the North & East Texas County Judges & Commissioners Association and ran the Prairie Hill Water Supply for numerous years.
In 1944, Billy joined the Merchant Marines and after returning home, he married the love of his life, Clara June Jones, on Aug. 31, 1946. In December 1946, he was drafted into the US Army during World War II. When discharged, he entered Westminster College in Tehuacana; however, his education was interrupted by the start of the Korean War. In 1951, he was called back to the Army but decided he would rather be on the water, so he joined the Navy.
Billy loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his only great-great grandchild. He was a faithful Christian and lived his life serving the Lord. He believed in treating people as he wanted to be treated and helping those in need. His was a member of the Prairie Hill Methodist Church prior to becoming a longtime active member of the First Methodist Church in Coolidge. Billy was a member of the Prairie Hill Masonic Lodge No. 741 for 61 years where he served as secretary for most of those years, a Shriner and member of the Scottish Rite. He could also be found where there was a serious game of dominoes being played.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 69 years, Clara June Waldrop; and sister, Gloria Sinclair.
He is survived by his four loving and devoted children, Bill Waldrop Jr. of Mexia, Larry Waldrop of Coolidge, Sandra Waldrop-McKissack of Mexia and Leah Henderson and husband Huey of Henderson; grandchildren, Jodi Pistler and husband Bobby, Marti Jo Ewell and husband B.J., Cody Waldrop and fiancé Amanda, Wendi Waldrop, Kit Waldrop, Lindsay Stanley and husband Derek, Andrew Russell and wife Micah, Mika Rae Jackson and husband Kent, Jeffery Kyle Henderson and wife Katie and Hannah Rose Graham and husband Hunter; 18 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; brothers, Stell Waldrop Jr. of Waco and George William Waldrop of Prairie Hill; and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 306, Coolidge, TX 76635.
Please visit www.blairstubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guest book.
