Cecil Billie

KIRTLAND

Cecil Walker Billie
Oct. 17, 1938 - July 25, 2009
Cecil Walker Billie, 70, of Kirtland, passed from this life Saturday, July 25, 2009. He was born Oct. 17, 1938, in Albuquerque, to Kee and Emma (Benton) Billie.
Cecil graduated from Central High School in Albuquerque and received his BA degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.
He and Marri Yazzie were married July 23, 1963, at the First Baptist Church in Shiprock. Together they had one son, Creighton W. Billie.
He was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1966 during Vietnam. As an avid sportsman, Cecil spent most of his Navy tour of duty as a boxer, where he won the 1963 All-Fleet Navy Championship. He was a sparring partner for one-time World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis. God will find a spot for Cecil on his team. He loved playing baseball and softball, mainly as a catcher, and coached both sports. Cecil also enjoyed basketball and bowling. His den is lined with rows of trophies to show his true spirit of competition. Cecil was a member of the Coachman Auto Club in Shiprock.
He worked for Kerr McGee and the Public Health Services in Shiprock.
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Marri; his son Creighton; and by his brother Marshall.
He is survived by his grandson, Creighton Patrick Smith of Farmington; nephews, Timothy and Raven Billie of San Jose, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Louise Goldtooth and husband, John, Mae Sandoval and husband, Bert, and Lorena Smith and husband, Tom, Sr., all of Shiprock; brothers-in-law, Vern Gilbert and wife, Helene, of Page, Ariz., and Leroy Dick and wife, Bessie, of Farmington; and mother-in-law, Jessie J. Yazzie of Beclabito.
Following Cecil's wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Cecil's life will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, at Cope Memorial Chapel.
Inurnment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by VFW Post 2182.
The family would like to thank the staff at San Juan Regional Medical Center ICU Unit for the care they provided Cecil.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.danielsfuneral.com.
Cecil has been entrusted to the care of Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St., in Farmington; (505) 327-5142.