Search by Name

Search by Name

Wilfred Eli Billey

1922 - 2013

Wilfred Eli Billey obituary, 1922-2013, Farmington, NM

BORN

1922

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home

103 East Ute Street

Farmington, New Mexico

Wilfred Billey Obituary

Wilfred Eli Billey, 90, of Farmington, passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at San Juan Care and Rehab. He was born Dec. 28, 1922, in Sanostee, the son of John Billy and Helen Billy. His clans are Tachii'nii (Red Running into the Water, and Tl'aashch'i'i (Red Cheek people). His maternal grandfathers clan are Naasht'czhi Dine'e (Zuni clan) and his paternal grandfather's clan is Hooghanlani (Many Hogans clan).
Mr. Billey served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a corporal. He was a Navajo Code talker and received the silver congressional Medal of Honor as well as many other awards. Mr. Billey will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Wilfred leaves behind his wife, Matilda Billey of Farmington; sons Nathaniel Willard Billey and wife, Issy of Kirtland, Wilfred C. Billey of Farmington and Warren P. Billey of Fruitland; three daughters Barbara Billey of Aztec; Linda Kerr and husband, Larry of Waterflow and Elsie Billey of Farmington; eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Thomas Billey.
Special thanks to San Juan Regional Medical Center cardiac care unit, the 5th floor staff and nurses, Dr. Uche Obisike, Dr. Robert Sprung, Blue Star Mothers, San Juan Care and Rehab for their care of our Dad.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St. in Farmington.
Funeral services for Wilfred will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 808 N. Monterey Ave. in Farmington, with Pastor Dave Blackwell officiating.
He will then be laid to rest in Memory Gardens Cemetery, 6917 E. Main St. in Farmington, with full military honors being provided by the Marine Corps.
Pallbearers are Gregory Billey, Cory Manus, Zachary Billey, Nathan Billey, Charles Billey and Travis Price.
Honorary pallbearers are Nathaniel Willard Billey, Wilfred C. Billey, Warren Billey, Edward Billey, Leo Billey, Larry Kerr, Navajo Code Talkers, Marine Corps League and Blue Star Mothers.
Memorial contributions may be in Mr. Billey's name to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Blue Star Mothers or to the Navajo Code Talkers Association Scholarship Fund.
Wilfred's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, 505-325-8688. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.

Published by Farmington Daily Times from Dec. 19 to Dec. 31, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Wilfred Billey

Not sure what to say?





Valenda Newell

November 7, 2016

Please accept my condolence and heartfelt prayers for the loss of Wilfred. When someone we love dies naturally we look for comfort, (2 Cor.1:3) says that God is the God of all comfort. It is my hope all of you will find encouragement knowing also that our loving Creator comfort all who mourns the loss of their love ones (Isaiah 61:1, 2).

May 7, 2014

happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted..matt.5:4...so sorry for the loss....dd

January 6, 2014

Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

Vickie Nelson

January 1, 2014

Our Deepest Sympathy In This Time Of Loss!

Detachment 1151 Marine Corps League

January 1, 2014

Mr. Billey,
It was a pleasure and a privilege working with you when you were our principal at Shiprock High School. Thank for your educational and military services. Rest in Peace.

Bernard Martorano

December 30, 2013

Thank you Mr. Billey for having been part of my growing up when I needed a father figure through Junior High School. You were the only Navajo, aside from Mr. Dave Bowman, in the higher echelon of the education ladder that I looked to. You became my role model. Rest in peace.

Ray Begaye

December 30, 2013

RIP CHEII

Elliott Jim

December 26, 2013

I am very sorry for your loss. He will be missed. May your memories of him give you comfort. Always remember, "God is for us a refuge and strength." -Psalms:46

Paris D.

December 26, 2013

My Condonlences to the family of Mr. Billey. Mr. Billy was a friendly, kind and a gentle person. As our principal, he would always have a smile walking in the hall at Shiprock High School.I see his signature on my high school diploma in 1979. He will always be remembered and keep the memories in our hearts. My brother was a great warrior of Dine Nation.

E. Tsosie

December 25, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends of Mr. Billey.

I appreciate everything this man has done in his service to our country, the Navajo Nation and the local area.

Robert Farley

December 24, 2013

To the family of Mr. Billey: My condolences to each of you during this time and the time of the year. Knowing the history of this great American opens the eyes of those who cannot see. May god be with each of you and guide you as He sees fit. Lil Fallen Star, Eastern division of the Cherokee nation

John O. Lowe

December 24, 2013

2 live, 2 love, 2 learn & 2 leave a legacy for the Shiprock Chieftains as a true warrior, mentor & provide a stepping stone in our education. Condolences to the immediate & extended family. Grief is woven tapestry of life. LORD heal, restore & use each of us as a faithful servant.

Chieftains-class of 83

December 22, 2013

To the family and friends of Mr. Billey you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear love one. To live to be ninety is a blessing but still does not take away the sting of death. Many people have fun memories please rely upon these to get you through these trying times. Memory is a gift given to us by our Creator and we are thankful for that.

hyde

December 21, 2013

Rest easy Marine. Semper fi.

Ernie B

December 21, 2013

Mr.Billey will forever be in my thoughts. He was a true example of kindness and courage. Thank you for your service.

Arlene Nonnemacher

December 20, 2013

We will meet, but we will miss him.
Tom Bryant, Mission 1954

December 20, 2013

On behalf of my parents & sisters, our condolences and prayers for Mr. Billey's family. I came to know the strength and resilience of a true warrior as those attributes emulated through my childhood friends, his girls, Barbara & Linda. A role model and gentleman of the Navajo, thank you for the kindness and wisdom you so freely shared with us all.

Nora Yazzie

December 20, 2013

In my younger years, Mr. Billey was a great example to me. In my older years, Mr. Billey is still that example of kindness, courage, and faithfulness. You will be missed. My prayers to all your family.

Esther Lewis

December 20, 2013

Blessings to Mr. Billey's family. He was such a kind and knowledgable man; I appreciate his encouragement and support when I was a student and later, as an educator. He was a wonderful role model for many, and was a truly caring person. In prayer for his family and relatives.

Luci Tapahonso

December 20, 2013

Our deepest sympathies to the Billey family on your loss. As I knew him, he was a man of peace, fairness and goodness. Never realizing his military service as a youngster, he was an excellent mentor, coach, friend and "my dad away from home" while in school at the Mission. His leadership, kindness and friendship is reflected in the many people who crossed his path. A true Warrior in his service to our country and to our Navajo People. He will be missed but his memory will live on as we celebrate his life.
Warren Dixon and Family

Warren Dixon

December 20, 2013

Farewell to fine Warrior. Mr. Billey was a great Principal at Shiprock High School in the early 80's. He was ever so patient and kind to the students. He always wanted the best for us. "May you know his name is written in the autograph of God". My sincere condolences to his family and friends all over the world.

Doreen Dannison

December 20, 2013

Condolences to the family and thanks to Mr. Billey for his years of military service on behalf of his country and his people. Thanks too for his dedication to education at Mission and Shiprock. He was a gentle man who touched so many lives, and he will be missed.

Jor and Earlene Price

December 20, 2013

Semper Fi Marine RIP Your a true Dine Warrior, Educator, and will miss you. A inspiration to a lot of students and people. OORAH I. shaggy

i shaggy

December 19, 2013

Ya'at'eeh! Our condolences with prayers and hugs to Atwai's family and friends. Grateful for his services, as well.

Atencio/James

December 19, 2013

Thank you for your service to our great nation and to the great Navajo Nation! May you Rest in Peace sir.

December 19, 2013

Condonlences To The Family. I Remember His KindNess As Our Principle At Shiprock High school In The 80'S. May He Rest In Peace!

Elvera Holiday

December 19, 2013

Mr. Billey was truly a kind and helpful guidance counselor. Thank you for your service and rest in peace.

Lola Eckhart

December 19, 2013

My prayers, and condolences to the family. Thank you Mr. Billey for all you have done. I will always remember you as a very kind and thoughtful man.
Also being my coach and teacher at Navajo Misson. Class of 1964.

December 19, 2013

Our prayers are with the family. Mr. Billet will be greatly missed. He came and spoke to my students one year at Tse Bit Ai Mid School and the students loved him. He had a great smile and a warm personality.I always enjoyed speaking to him at church.

Keith Smith

December 19, 2013

To the Family of Mr. Wilred Billey. Thank you for your service Mr. Billey. May you rest in Peace for all you done. God bless the whole family.

Vina Begaye-Tsosie

December 19, 2013

My prayers, and condolences to the family. Thank you Mr. Billey for all you have done. I will always remember you as a very kind and thoughtful man. Our principal - that was your title to us and we will forever be thankful you influenced our lives. As a family friend, we are grateful to have had your friendship. RIP

Karla Rickert

December 19, 2013

Thank you for defending our country sir.

December 19, 2013

Another great member of the Diné Nation is gone.
Sincerest condolences to his family and relatives.

December 17, 2013

Thank You...R.I.P.

Mark O'Connor

December 16, 2013

My condolences to the Family of Mr. Wilfred Billey.

My Uncle by clan, I am very happy to have you as our Guest Speaker at the Human Resources Command, STL, MO. I will always remember that day. You did an awesome job by sharing with the Command your Service in defeating the enemy for our Grateful Nation. You will never be forgotten. May you Rest In Peace and God bless.

Cecelia Finona

December 16, 2013

Thank you for your service and helping America win the war...tahugi

Ramiro Salazar

December 16, 2013

Thank you for your service to our country and may God welcome you back to the kingdom.

T B

December 16, 2013

My condolences to the family of Mr. Wilfred Eli Billey. May you rest in peace sir. (military funeral salute).

Emily Peshlakai

December 15, 2013

...thank you for your service , and for pointing the way...

John Fluger

December 15, 2013

Mr Billey has allowed me to be a free American, I will keep him in prayers for what he has given me. God bless him and watch over his family

December 15, 2013

in God's care rest in peace

Dwayne Bickham

December 15, 2013

Condolences to the family. May the promise in gods word comfort you. Revelatio 21:3, 4

December 15, 2013

May God bless Mr. Billey and his family and I hope they feel the peace and comfort brought by His presence. I remember growing up and being best friends with his oldest son, Willard. The whole family were just wonderful people. Mr. Billey was a man to be respected and admired and I know he will be greatly missed.

Stan Dellinger

December 15, 2013

Thank you for your brave service, and for your dedication to Education and the pursuit thereof. You were an inspiration to many of all races, religions and people. Thank you for your influence on my life as a Shiprock High graduate.

Jeff Hansen

December 15, 2013

Thank you,Mr. Billey, for your outstanding service, both in the military and civilian life. You and your fellow Code Talkers were instrumental in winning WWII and your countrymen can never repay you for your service and sacrifice.

What we can do is honor and remember you and follow your example of a life well lived. May your family and friends find comfort in their faith and memories.

Marianne Phelan

December 15, 2013

Godspeed and Thanks for your service to this Nation.
Godspeed

Cary Stokes

December 15, 2013

Sincere condolences offered to Mr. Billey's family and loved ones. May remembering his full life always bring you comfort. God is for us a refuge and strength - Psalms

December 15, 2013

Thank you for your service Sir. My heart goes out to your family.

December 14, 2013

rip

michelle plakas-kaiser

December 14, 2013

Semper Fi Marine, i will always honor you in my heart and soul.Sleep brother, a job well done. Dismissed, PFC Matt Little May your family find peace

matthew littlen

December 14, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss. The death of a loved one is a very difficult thing to go through. Thankfully, we have the hope of seeing our loved one again in the future.

December 14, 2013

Sincere condolences to the family. May you find hope and strength by Gods loving promises to cope with the death of Wilfred.

December 14, 2013

Condolences to Mr. Billey's family:
 
Please draw comfort in knowing that dear Mr. Billey and all of his deeds he performed on behalf of others are in God's memory. Allow the many Bible texts cited in this guest book to give you further comfort during these very difficult days.

Ann

December 14, 2013

It is wonderful that we have the hope of seeing our loved ones again in the near future when they will be woken up from death. Until then we can keep that hope in mind to keep us going. I am sorry for your loss.

December 14, 2013

The measure of this man was not just in how he served his country and his community but in how he lived his life. He remains with us through our memories, not just of his service but of his woodworking skills and his appreciation of agriculture and animal husbandry. Peace to Wilfred and his wonderful family.

Liane Kerr

December 13, 2013

Semper FI , Hand Salute RIP My Marine Brother.May Chesty meet you at the Gates

Doyle Clark

December 13, 2013

A true educator who cared about his students (his own Dine'). Thank you Mr. Billey for the happy days at Shiprock High School. You and others have set excellent standards for us and directed us on the right path of life. May God bless you and your family.

A Oliver

December 13, 2013

You are always my HERO Uncle Billey, what a wonderful man you were, filled with kindness, thoughtfulness,and of course adventuress stories. You serve your country with high honors and as a Navajo Coder Talker deserve the utmost respect, I will miss you very much. Thoughts and prayers for my Aunt Tilly and cousins, love you all.

Reed Tsosie

December 13, 2013

A true American in every way. Thank you for your service which will always be apart of our history and which will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Rick Utt

December 13, 2013

My sympathies for the loss of your loved one. I thank him for his service to this country as both a soldier and an educator. May he be remembered for all the lives he saved throughout the years.

Gloria Llewellyn

December 13, 2013

We would like to express our deepest sympathy. Please continue to lean on "The God of All Comfort" 2nd Cor. 1:3-4. Our Almighty God will sustain and comfort each of you in your time of grief.

December 13, 2013

Another of the greatest generation gone. You have acquitted yourself well Marine. Now join your fellow Leathernecks on the streets of heaven.
Rest in peace.

Michael Lanyi

December 13, 2013

Well he may not have thought he was a hero but for the rest of us he was.

December 13, 2013

The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi!

George Hilbish

December 13, 2013

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Jeanann Whitlock

December 13, 2013

May he rest in peace and the hands of the great spirit . Gone but not forgotten.

Noemi and Mike Rourke

December 13, 2013

Semper Fi, Sir. Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace.

Brandy Peacock

December 13, 2013

God Bless Wilfred Billey and the other Code Talkers for their service to our country. May he rest in peace.

Sherry Chambers

December 13, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

DStallings

December 13, 2013

Another hero lost.

Andrew LaGrotte

December 13, 2013

Thank you for your service. We are indebted to you.

December 13, 2013

Thank You Sir; for your sacrifice and for the freedom I enjoy today. Rest in eternal peace.

Thomas Stull

December 13, 2013

Thank You Mr. Billey for serving in the USMC as our Navajo Code Talker. I remember when I was entering Shiprock high school, I believe he was either the school counselor or Principal. I visited his office just one time after he talked to me I never went back to his office. Then in 2010, I seen him again going the aisle with the electric wheelchair. I acknowledge him and he said Miss Kinlicheenie how are you these days? He was shopping at Sam's club all the time and I would always help him. I will miss him and I know he is with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Semper Fi! Mr. Billey -your former student: Miss Judith Kinlicheenie

December 13, 2013

Mr Billey, you are also a hero. Thank you for your service to America and to the young students after the war. You will be remembered.
Lynn and Martha Wenzel, Illinois

December 13, 2013

Mr. Billey was a true American. I am sorry to hear of his loss.

Kate DeFrain

December 13, 2013

Wilfred was a real hero. He put his life on the line to defeat the enemy when he didn't have to. He was part of the greatest generation and stands as an example to all of us. Our young generations should learn sacrifice, honor and humility from him.

Thomas Powell

December 13, 2013

thank you for your service

December 13, 2013

They were all brave men. Thank you for your service.

Norbert Lauras

December 13, 2013

God Bless you and thank you for your service and dedication to mankind...

Paul Taylor

December 13, 2013

Rest in Peace

Scott Chamberland

December 13, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family and my heartfelt gratitude for his service to our country...

April Manning

December 13, 2013

I never met him, but one former Marine to another, "Semper Fi" Marine and "Thanks" to all of you code talkers.

Randy Sorick

December 13, 2013

Although Mr. Billey didn't consider himself a hero, the rest of us in this country most certainly do! Thank you Mr. Billey. May you rest in peace. Job well done.

December 13, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Billey's family and friends at this very sad time. He was a great man. The war would never have been won if not for Mr. Billey and the other code talkers. He was a true hero! God Bless.

Robin Goodman

December 13, 2013

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

December 12, 2013

SEMPER FI MARINE, NOW YOU WILL BE GUARDING THE STREETS OF HAEVEN --
Marine Corps League, Naples, FL

December 12, 2013

All I can say is thank you so much for serving our country while in the military and in your private life. I will say God speed but I know you are already in your heavenly Fathers arms by now.

Fran Jackson

December 12, 2013

Showing 1 - 88 of 88 results

Make a Donation
in Wilfred Billey's name

Memorial Events
for Wilfred Billey

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home

103 East Ute Street, Farmington, NM 87401

How to support Wilfred's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Wilfred Billey's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more