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Billy Ray Mooney

Billy Mooney Obituary

Mooney, Billy Ray
Bill, 74 of Phoenix passed away Jan 22, 2014. Bill was a very generous and caring person. Memorial service will be at a later date. Bill is survived by a brother Martin, two sisters Helen Price and LaRue Hite, a longtime friend/neighbor Nona DiDomenico and a host of friends. Please sign guestbook at www.obits.azcentral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Billy Mooney

54 Entries

Bill with niece Sandy Horton on our trip to Arizona a couple of years ago. So glad we got the opportunity to see him!

March 19, 2014

Uncle Bill was a sweet soul and will be greatly missed! I so enjoyed the time in Phoenix visiting his home and having dinner with him! What a wonderful man! Deepest condolences to his family. Love, Shelley Kaehr

ALex @Barbara Gray

March 16, 2014

Bill was a gentle giant. great sence of humor. fun to be with and he always had a smile for us. he will be missed.

Barbara @ Alex Gray

March 16, 2014

Bill was a gentle giant. He would always have a smile for me. Great sence of humor and a loving personality, he will be missed.

JAMES GOLINI

March 4, 2014

BILL AN I MET SOMETIME IN THE MID 80'S AS A FILM COLLECTOR WE HIT IT OFF PRONTO PLUS I TOOK HIS SOUND ADVISE AN ENTERED INTO THE MONEY MARKET THANK YOU BILL MY 3-D FILM BUDDY YOU'LL BE MISSED !!

February 28, 2014

Sister by birth

February 28, 2014

Philip J

February 28, 2014

Uncle Billy, you will be missed. It has been an honor to have been witness to your great humor and care and knowledge.

Thanks to Uncle Billy, I got the chance to learn a lot about Stereo Photography and Polaroid Cameras. And to thank him for sharing this knowledge any time he would need help fixing anything or help with his computer I would be sure to help him. You will always be apart of this family and will always keep you in my memory.

Thank you for everything Uncle Billy!

February 26, 2014

Uncle Bill was a faithful provider of great E mail forwards.It was a pleasure to know him.Jeff Horton

Tommye Ware

February 25, 2014

Although I did not know Bill very well, any time I saw him, he was warm and comfortable to be around, He also had a good sense of humor. He definitely had that Texas charm. Bill will be missed by his many friends and family. Happy Trails, Bill.

Me & Uncle Billy

Sherri Juarez

February 24, 2014

Sometimes family finds us! Although not related in the traditional way, Uncle Bill will always be my favorite uncle.
One of my first memories of Uncle Billy was when he took my mother to get her driver's license and was put in charge of watching me while she took the driving test. As I recall, I fake-cried and caused a scene the entire time mom was away. Billy just smiled and shrugged at others who looked on, never apologizing or showing any anxiety until mom came back and I realized that it was all for nothing.
As his birthday approaches, I will always celebrate the anniversary of his life with the memories of all he did to make me a better person. His love of life was evident in every move he made and he is one person that I can say I never heard utter a word in anger. Not to say that he wasn't passionate, just mention politics, and it was on! His love of theater, cooking, Egypt and the arts were also fuel for his passion. All of this made him not just a good person, but a great man who will live on in our hearts and minds until the day we go to meet him.
I will miss you terribly Uncle Billy and I will never forget your kindness. Thank you so much for choosing my kids, grandkids and myself to be part of your family!

Gina and Isaiah J.

February 24, 2014

I have know Billy all my life, and although not blood, he is definitely family. You could always count on him for a good joke. I attribute my love of Broadway to him, as he was always passing on information and copies of DVDs for me to watch.

Billy was an awesome man. He will be greatly missed by all.

Liz

February 21, 2014

I'll always remember Bill as the smiling greeter sitting outdoors prior to the start of the Bonsai club meetings enjoying our lovely evening weather. That and the way he would rap his cane to quiet the room so everyone could listen to him in his soft spoken voice. Always a treat to be around!

Robert Baran

February 20, 2014

The first fairly large bonsai I had was an Elephant Food which was gifted to me by Bill Mooney in May 1987 near the end of my first club year there. He had had it for about five years, but couldn't see a particular style in it. When Bill saw the way I was gawking at this wild specimen which he'd brought to a workshop but had not trimmed (I'm not sure I'd ever seen a Portulacaria that size before), he simply gave it to me to deal with rather than having to lug it back to his yard. (His generosity was only surpassed by his continued claim to the tree when it later started to look good.) Now Bill is with that tree again...
Though I got to visit his yard a few times years ago, I never managed a detailed look inside his house or made the time to chat with him at length about his life. The historian in me mourns the loss of opportunity.
I am happy to have however briefly known Bill, truly a decent human being whose memory will long stay with many of us. Thank-you, Bill, it has been an honor to be associated with you.

Max J. Miller

February 20, 2014

I first met Bill when Shirley and I joined the Phoenix Bonsai Society in 1985. When we walked into our first meeting, he kindly directed us to the nonsmoking section of the room with a twinkle in his eye. We have been good friends ever since. I have so many good memories of Bill. He was always encouraging people in the club. He picked me up to go to Tucson for bonsai workshops for the first few times. I remember his delightful service as the self-described "mother hen" on the first few club bus trips that we took to California. He gave me pots that he thought would be suitable for particular trees. I still have a vitex agnus castus bonsai that he gave me about 15 years ago to "experiment with". It is my favorite bonsai. His sense of humor and sharp wit were delicious. It was a riot to listen to Bill and Nona set each other up with straight lines. I even learned some new bonsai terms from Bill. One such term connected with collecting was "leaverite" as in "leave er right there". Bill was always focused on other people and not himself, and that is a rare and priceless quality. Shirley remembers how Bill appreciated her cookies at Matsuri and on bus trips. Bill was a kind, generous, talented, and loyal friend, and the world is a better place because he traveled through it.

Leann Griffin

February 19, 2014

I love this man! I have known him my entire life and I am a much better person for it.

His warm character, peaceful demeanor, wonderful spirit and fantastic sense of humor are just a few characteristics in Billy that I will miss dearly.

Billy will be missed greatly by all of us.

2002 Painting of Uncle Bill

Matthew Hite

February 19, 2014

Uncle Bill was a very special man. He was one of the kindest, soft spoken people I have ever known.

The first time I was at his house was his 50th Birthday party. I remember his Bonsai trees and his great collection of Egyptian items. As I grew up distance separated us and I didn't know him as well as I'd have liked. He did see each other at varies family outings, trips and such but I feel like I got to know him during the 2 trips to AZ for fencing. He was a manager at a Motel 6 at the time and he put up our entire team and spent time in the evenings with me. He was a great man that lived his life the way he wanted regardless of what others thought. He was not afraid to be who he was.

Uncle Bill also holds a special place in my heart because he was my mom's little brother and I have heard so many great things about him and his life my entire life.

Uncle Bill everyone that knew you, misses you!

I'm sorry we didn't get there to be with you before you passed Uncle Bill. We where packing the truck and preparing to head that way when mom got the call... Although a day late I'm glad that we could be there shortly after your passing...

His memorial service this last weekend had a lot of people there. I wish I could have gone up again.

I'd like to thank everyone for sharing the great memories of Uncle Bill and letting us know him better through you.

Uncle Bill may be gone but a little piece of him is still with all of us.

February 19, 2014

Rev. Cheryl Haley

February 19, 2014

I am a hospice chaplain (Sage Hospice & Palliative Care, Scottsdale, AZ)It was both my honor and privilege to serve Bill during the last season of his journey in this life. What an delightful man, so well spoken, warm,intelligent,compassionate and kind. He so enjoyed people. He loved his dog, his family and his friends with excellence and joy. I so enjoyed every opportunity I had to sit and reminisce with Bill. What a delight and treasured memory I will hold in my heart. Thank you Bill... you are missed!

Marcia Colliat

February 17, 2014

Bill would occasionally make a sarcastic remark during the formal meeting of the Phoenix Bonsai Society. He always spoke in a quiet voice so unless you sat right next to him you would never know why they were all laughing. He also would never repeat the remark.

Jim & Tina McEown

February 15, 2014

Bill was a soft spoken gentleman who could silence a room with the rap of his cane, and then have us roaring with laughter a moment later with comment that was barely audible. When first joining the Phoenix Bonsai Society, Tina and I quickly found that sitting in the front of the group was clearly the best place to be, more in order to hear Bill's hilarious wit and Bonsai expertise, than to actually view the presentation. We will all miss him dearly.

Carolyn Carrick

February 13, 2014

It's sad I never remember meeting my cousin Bill Mooney (who I wonder if he was named after my dad - William Ray Mooney). He sounds like such a wonderful, kind, gentle man. He and I share the love of travel. May you rest in peace Bill. Our condolences and deepest sympathy to the family.

Steve DiDomenico

February 12, 2014

Bill was a wonderful person. I remember his love for movies from the classics, black and white to today's movies especially the 3D releases. At first I did not get it how could Bill love the classics and black & white films and still believe the best thing ever created was 3D movies. I remember him talking about how the 3D technology keep getting better and better and was truly amazed by it. That is truly what made Bill so special, like the movies he loved he did not care who you are (old, young, man woman) he would offer to help in any way he could and make you laugh with a joke or two. It took me awhile but I finally got it, you see Bill could see the good in anything including that special something in every person he meets. He truly helped bring the best out of everyone. Thank you Bill for touching all of our lives and making us better people because we knew you. You will be missed but a part of you goes on in every life you touched.

Jamie Sims

February 9, 2014

Bill had a heart of gold and was full of encouragement for others around him, he will be missed!

February 7, 2014

Bill was a great friend, and an amazing guy. A long time ago there was a Dig, and most of us already had what we wanted, when I saw another, and fell in love. "It's too big..." they said. "You'll never get that thing out of there..." "...it would take hours..." Bill said "Is that the one you want? It's beautiful. I'll help you. Come on, we can do this!" And we did. If my memory serves me correctly, this is the tree that became my beloved "Old Queen" Bouganvilla (now a prized possession of Bob and Maggie Gomez) from the dig along the Squaw Peak Freeway right-of-way. That's just the kind of guy Bill was, always willing to help.
He was not only a fine Bonsai artist, but had an eclectic range of interests in the arts including sculpture and opera. Then there was his abiding passion for Ancient Egypt and early Cinematography. In each of these studies, Bill had the prodigious knowledge and libraries of a true scholar.
He loved animals (even pigeons!),but especially his dog, "George", who adopted Bill in the VGC parking lot one winter! Bill was kind, and generous, and smart, with a sharp and lively sense of humor, who always sought the positive side of things and people. I was proud to call him 'Friend', and will miss him.
Penny

Jo Egan

February 6, 2014

In my cupboard, I have a small gift from Bill.... a Green collectible salt shaker. I don't recall what I traded for this. But this is typical of his kindness. I shall remember him also for his deep rolling laugh.

Susie Kingston

February 4, 2014

Bill's warm heart, unique sense of humor, and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all of us in the Phoenix Bonsai Society. I feel honored to have known such a wonderful man.

Tina McEown

February 4, 2014

One would be hard pressed to find a person more befitting the title of "gentleman". Bill was a soft spoken, kind and generous man with a brilliant wit. He was a man of many interests willing always to share his knowledge with others. I knew Bill through the Phoenix Bonsai Society and my frequent instructions to new people was, while Bill spoke softly, listen when he spoke, as what came out of his mouth would be worth hearing! With Bill's passing, the light will shine a little less brightly for those who were privileged to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him. He will be truly missed.

Eric Zimmet

February 4, 2014

Bill was always soft spoken but when he talked people did listen "Save the pot" will always be the phrase when thinking of Bill.

Miranda Correa

February 1, 2014

What an AMAZING man Bill was! Is there anything he couldn't do? He was an amazing cook, a lover of the arts, and most importantly an inspiration to everyone he knew. You will be missed.

Teresa Di Domenico

February 1, 2014

Admirable, generous and creative a few of the adjectives that come to mind when I think of my good friend (uncle) Bill. The memories I shared with Bill are going to be forever treasured.

Nona

February 1, 2014

Come join us on Saturday, February 15th between 1:00PM-4:00PM, as we share memories of Bill at his favorite place (his backyard).

Nona Di Domenico

February 1, 2014

I have never met a man more generous, witty and talented than my best friend, adopted brother and neighbor Bill. There are few people we come across in this life that after 60 years of friendship we still call our best friend. I was fortunate enough to have this experience. I can only hope that time will last as long as my friendship with Bill.

January 31, 2014

It was my privilege and good fortune to be friends with Bill for 40 years. We shared a lot of good times and he was something of a mentor to me. I have never met a finer gentleman and he had a tremendous influence on my life. His humor and great outlook on life is what I'll miss the most. RIP, Bill. The last few years were rough on you and I hope where you are they have screenings of all the Gary Cooper movies you ever wanted to see.

LaRue Hite

January 31, 2014

Bro Bill was a GREAT brother. I have so many precious memories of our lives together and am so great full that we had 74+ years together - my heart is broken that you are gone - I will love you forever and a day!

Jim Claycomb

January 30, 2014

Bill was a true and wonderful friend. He was a great example of and individual who could always find the good, even in adversity. He will be sorely missed.

Sandi Horton

January 30, 2014

Uncle Bill was a wonderful man with many interests and a wonderful sense of humor. I will never forget all the memories of our shared experiences-especially going to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, seeing music shows in Reno, visiting San Francisco, eating his gourmet cooking,listening to him talk about his trip to Egypt, watching his old reel to reel movies, admiring his bonsai trees, and so many more memories. I'll always love my Uncle Bill!

Pennie Lowetz

January 29, 2014

Uncle Bill had a great influence upon my life. He shared his love of archeology with me when I was very young which enabled me to fulfill "our dreams" of digging in the dirt! I will always love you, Uncle Bill!

Mitchell Rosenbaum

January 29, 2014

Bill's Wit, experience,& willingness to help others will be missed @ the Bonsai Society. He will fondly stay in my memory and thoughts. The world is less for his loss. My condolence to his loved ones.

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