1922
2013
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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
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