Billie (Billy) Greer

1926 - 2013

Billie (Billy) Greer obituary, 1926-2013, BAYVIEW, TX

BORN

1926

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home

710 Ed Carey Drive

Harlingen, Texas

Billie Greer Obituary

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/

Published by Valley Morning Star on Oct. 15, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Billie Greer

Sponsored by Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





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

Make a Donation
in Billie Greer's name

Memorial Events
for Billie Greer

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:

Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home

710 Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen, TX 78550

How to support Billie'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 Billie Greer'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