Search by Name
Search by Name
Billie (Billy) Greer
BAYVIEW/
PALMVALLEY, TX. --
Billy Francis Greer peacefully entered into Eternal Rest Saturday, October 12, 2013 from complications of heart disease and COPD.
Billy was born December 2, 1926 in Joplin, Missouri to George and Beulah (Barker) Greer. He attended elementary schools throughout Texas and Louisiana. Billy graduated from Orland High School in Orland, CA. He fought forest fires throughout the northern California mountain ranges before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a marine scout during the Battle of Okinawa, where he was wounded. He received a Purple Heart for his services. After nine months in a body cast, he used the GI Bill to graduate from Oregon State University with a degree in Fish and Game Management.
His career with the U.S. Commercial Fisheries Department held him responsible for vessel financing throughout the Gulf of Mexico, eventually leading him to Texas. He knew many of the boat owners and captains of the area on a first name basis. In 1968 he was made an Honorary Admiral of the Texas Navy and was celebrated with a Shrimp Boat parade in Corpus Christi with Lady Byrd Johnson in attendance. While assessing hurricane damage in 1970, he suffered a career ending heart attack. He then moved to Bayview to pursue his passion in hunting and fishing. He truly enjoyed the outdoors, hunting in Texas and Mexico for many years, with duck hunting always being his specialty. His name was mentioned several times in hunting and game magazines during his time in Florida. With his unending drive he still hunted successfully last season, while confined to a wheelchair.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Beulah (Barker) Greer; sisters, Marie and Nedra of Orland, CA, his first wife Merilyn Sutherland, and second wife Mary Jo Greer.
He is survived by his children, William "Bill" Greer (Tammi), Gale Janess Greer (Lorren) Robin Lynn Greer, John Sutherland Greer (Angela), step son Richard Buffett and seven grandchildren plus two great grandchildren.
The family especially wants to thank Esmeralda (his Sweetie) who took care of him for the past three years.
He will be greatly missed but his memory will always live in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Veterans Memorial Project Committee, P.O. Box 2862, Harlingen, Texas 78551.
No services will be held.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Sign the guestbook at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/valleystar/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you family. It's tough losing your parents at any age. Tommy & Cissie
NeSmith
October 20, 2013
Our deepest sympathies Bill. I know there is a hole in your heart and I know my day is coming for that same hole. There are just some things that dad is who we need to talk to about and I don't know how we replace that, but I do know he is resting in peace knowing his legacy lives on through those he left behind.
John L
John Lackey
October 18, 2013
Bill and Family, so sorry about your father's passing. Billy was truly part of our "greatest generation"! My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you and your family. Joe Reagan
October 17, 2013
He was my sweety pie and he is going to be in my heart for the rest of my life because he was a very special man. He was a blessing in my life, and even after he is still blessing me . I'm sure he left happy with my care. I LOVE MY SWEETY PIE FOREVER. He was a wonderful man. Strong gentleman, and lovable. I always had a great time with him. And i'm sure he did too. I have so many great things to say about him, but I would go on forever. All I got to say is that I love my sweety.
Love Esmeralda (his sweety pie)??
Esmeralda salinas
October 15, 2013
My thoughts & prayers with all! God Bless all the family.
Anita Bock
October 15, 2013
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more