Billy Wayne Williams, 77 of Eldorado and San Angelo, died Thursday, February 25th, 2016 following a battle with cancer.
He was born January 10, 1939 to J Tom and Cecile Williams at his family's home on their farm and ranch in Schleicher County. Billy assumed many responsibilities on that same farm and ranch at a young age due his dad's poor health. These formative years are when he acquired an unparalleled work ethic and sense of responsibility for taking care of others.
Billy spent over 40 years farming, ranching, and managing a large feedlot operation on that same land. Even with a work schedule that seemed to go around the clock, he always found time to enjoy family, gardening, and teaching young people how to work and become independent. He always said that "The best gift you can give someone is the ability to take care of theirself."
Billy transitioned into a career as an oilfield pumper in his 50s and always joked that he should've made that move earlier because it freed up so much of his time. He loved the long drives through West Texas where he had a particular knack for pulling the most out of old oil and gas wells.
Billy never wanted to retire and stayed busy into his final days. He loved almost anything outdoors and could tell stories with the best of them. Most importantly, he would drop anything he was doing to hold a baby or help mold a young adult's life. His greatest memories were of times spent helping others.
He is survived by his wife Beverlee Williams, sons Chris Kessler, Mike Kessler and wife Trish, daughter Kelly Sexton, son Doug Leggett; grandchildren Justin Leggett and wife Tara, Brandon Leggett and wife Laurie, Blake Leggett and wife Sarah, Bryce Leggett and wife Kirsten, Briley Leggett, Crystal Leggett, Heather Leggett and husband Pac, Koty Robinson, Kaytlin Robinson, Autumn Meyers-Rush, Garrett Kessler, 12 great grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews, and sister-in-laws Barbara Williams, Carolyn Williams, and Claryce Williams Runge and husband Jim.
He was preceded in death by children Tanya Mikeska and Jeff Leggett, his parents, and siblings Cecil, Bernard, James, Garland, David, Harold, Bobby, and Frank Williams, and Ann Brock and Mary Kathlyn Warren.
Billy and Beverlee are members of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in San Angelo.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Eldorado, TX on Saturday February 27th at 2 PM with graveside services to follow.