Obituary for Billy Deal
Billy Ray Deal, a loving father, grandad, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on Sunday April 10th, 2022 with family at his side.
A lifelong resident of Waxahachie, Billy was born August 8th, 1944 the middle son of Homer and Velma Deal. He loved his family and was very close to his beloved brothers Royce and James. After graduating from Waxahachie High School in 1962 he attended Navarro College and then graduated from the University of North Texas in 1966 earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He enlisted to serve in the United States Army National Guard in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1973. After college Billy worked in pharmaceutical sales for Dow Chemical and others but quickly found that this profession did not suit him well. Soon after he followed in his beloved father’s footsteps and worked as a carpenter for many years. Later in life he changed careers again becoming a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal service where he served more than 25 years until his retirement in 2015.
Billy greatly enjoyed being retired and often said that he was busier in retirement than he was when he was still employed. In fact he often felt there were not enough hours in the day to do all the things that brought him joy including his weekly small group bible study, exercising at the Waxahachie YMCA, his weekly lunch gatherings with his high school classmates at the College Street Pub and dinners with family either at home (he was a great cook!) or one of his favorite Mexican restaurants.
Billy was a longtime member of the Cowboy Church of Ellis County where, he said, the services provided him the spiritual nourishment he needed for the week to come. If you knew Billy for even five minutes you know he loved the Lord and lived his faith each and every day. If Billy loved you he never missed an opportunity to tell you and it was so easy to love him right back. He was a genuine and kind man, an adored parent and brother, doting grandfather and faithful friend. Never one to be pushy nor quick to judge, Billy could always be counted on for sound advice and a compassionate heart. He will be deeply missed.
Preceded in death by beloved parents Homer Stuart Deal and Velma Wright Deal, infant daughter Melissa Deal and daughter Laurie McKelvy.
Survived by son David Deal and daughter in law Lainie Deal of Midlothian, son in law Ian McKelvy of Roswell, NM, brothers Royce Deal of Waxahachie and James Deal of Salado, TX. Three grandchildren, Daisy Deal of Denton, TX, Erynn and Reid McKelvy of Roswell, NM. Nephew Justin Deal and his wife Barbara Deal of Dallas, Niece Amber Nicole Paris and husband Dan Paris of Keller, TX, nephew Chris Deal of Temple, TX. Great niece Gwyneth Sauceda of Fort Worth and great nephew Joey Deal of Dallas.
A lifelong resident of Waxahachie, Billy was born August 8th, 1944 the middle son of Homer and Velma Deal. He loved his family and was very close to his beloved brothers Royce and James. After graduating from Waxahachie High School in 1962 he attended Navarro College and then graduated from the University of North Texas in 1966 earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He enlisted to serve in the United States Army National Guard in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1973. After college Billy worked in pharmaceutical sales for Dow Chemical and others but quickly found that this profession did not suit him well. Soon after he followed in his beloved father’s footsteps and worked as a carpenter for many years. Later in life he changed careers again becoming a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal service where he served more than 25 years until his retirement in 2015.
Billy greatly enjoyed being retired and often said that he was busier in retirement than he was when he was still employed. In fact he often felt there were not enough hours in the day to do all the things that brought him joy including his weekly small group bible study, exercising at the Waxahachie YMCA, his weekly lunch gatherings with his high school classmates at the College Street Pub and dinners with family either at home (he was a great cook!) or one of his favorite Mexican restaurants.
Billy was a longtime member of the Cowboy Church of Ellis County where, he said, the services provided him the spiritual nourishment he needed for the week to come. If you knew Billy for even five minutes you know he loved the Lord and lived his faith each and every day. If Billy loved you he never missed an opportunity to tell you and it was so easy to love him right back. He was a genuine and kind man, an adored parent and brother, doting grandfather and faithful friend. Never one to be pushy nor quick to judge, Billy could always be counted on for sound advice and a compassionate heart. He will be deeply missed.
Preceded in death by beloved parents Homer Stuart Deal and Velma Wright Deal, infant daughter Melissa Deal and daughter Laurie McKelvy.
Survived by son David Deal and daughter in law Lainie Deal of Midlothian, son in law Ian McKelvy of Roswell, NM, brothers Royce Deal of Waxahachie and James Deal of Salado, TX. Three grandchildren, Daisy Deal of Denton, TX, Erynn and Reid McKelvy of Roswell, NM. Nephew Justin Deal and his wife Barbara Deal of Dallas, Niece Amber Nicole Paris and husband Dan Paris of Keller, TX, nephew Chris Deal of Temple, TX. Great niece Gwyneth Sauceda of Fort Worth and great nephew Joey Deal of Dallas.