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Billy Joe Shaver
1939 - 2020
BORN
1939
DIED
October 28, 2020
Billy Joe Shaver was a legendary outlaw country singer-songwriter whose songs were recorded by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings.
We invite you to share condolences for Billy Joe Shaver in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
We invite you to share condolences for Billy Joe Shaver in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
Published by Orange County Review on Oct. 28, 2020.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
Nov
3
Visitation
12:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.
Waco Memorial Mausoleum Chapel
GUEST BOOK
99 Entries
I am so sorry about the loss of Billy. The Shaver family has my deepest condolences. I pray that you will be surrounded continuously with love and support. And, as you go through this difficult time, may Almighty God give you everlasting comfort (2 Thess. 2:16).
Jenee
November 19, 2020
BEFORE , I GOT TO MY HUSBAND ADAM SR AND GAVE BIRTH TO MY SON ADAM JR MY , STEP GRANDFATHER GAVE ME WILLIAM'S AUTOGRAPH SIGNED WHEN , I WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD UNTIL , THEN : HAPPY EARLY THANKSGIVING TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! & REMAIN , IN TOUCH TO YOU !!!!!!!!!! SIR MARK 1:08-1:11 !!!!!!!!!!!!
NICOLE EGYPT JACOBS
November 18, 2020
I , GOT MR. SHAVER'S AUTOGRAPHER FROM MY GRANDFATHER WHEN , I WAS 5 YEARS OLD ........ UNTIL , WE MEET AGAIN BELIEVE IN YOURSELF TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY FRIEND NUMBERS 18:50 .........
JUSTIN DAVID ANDERSON SR
November 16, 2020
I know a lot of Texas Musicians would say a lot about you. You will be missed.
November 13, 2020
Deepest condolences to The Shaver Family, every song he sung or wrote will always be remembered. That is the legacy Mr. Billy left behind memorable songs that will NEVER be forgotten. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with loss the of this legend. May his music keep his memory alive forever.
Tony
November 11, 2020
HAPPY , EARLY VETERANS DAY TO A LONG-TIME LEGENDARY COUNTRY SINGER TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BROTHER FROM , EVERYONE AT BYRON'S BAR AND GRILLE RESTAURANT ............. CORINTHIANS 1:11:20-1:11:34 ...........
STEVE & TARA FALLON
November 10, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Connie Freeman Williams
Friend
November 9, 2020
Remember, it's not what people think, it's what God knows. God took a liking to Billy Joe.
Janet Phillips, Jasper, Al
November 9, 2020
VAYA CON DIOS AMIGOS TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!! SON MARK 1:08-1:11 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MATTHEW 26:05-26:75 ........... & PETER 22:03:22 ...........
KENNY RAYMOND KAWAGUCHI
November 9, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
November 9, 2020
The Selhorst's, Tom, Tina, Tj & Dode, Rest easy our friend, God Bless
Tina Selhorst
November 7, 2020
Our thoughts & prayers go out to Billy's family & friends. He was a true human being! He always had time for his fans! He made you feel like family! Billy will truly live forever through his beautiful songs! Thank you Billy Joe! Rest easy my friend xoxo ~Tina~
Tina Selhorst
November 7, 2020
We had the best time when we took our uncle Robert Parrish to see you at the Kessler in Dallas a few years ago. He had known you for years and taught you your first strings on a guitar. You made him feel like a star that night. He talked about how much fun he had. I bet ya'll are making great music in Heaven now. You're both missed very much.
Donna Strange
November 6, 2020
Vaya con Dios my friend.
Daren Rouse
November 6, 2020
HAPPY , HUMP DAY TO A LEGENDARY COUNTRY SINGER TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE , REMAIN IN TOUCH TO YOU !!!!!!! BROTHER PETER 22:03:22 .......... & JAMES 4:15 .........
EDWARD DAVID CULLEN
November 4, 2020
Karen Lee Hill
Friend
November 4, 2020
My heartfelt sympathy and love go out to Pat, family, and friends! I first met Billy Joe up in Luck, TX at Willie’s “Lunch with the Legends.” Billy Joe was always so gracious and caring to his fans and would visit with us before and after concerts! Painting was done in Ireland from a post concert photo. Photo with signed license plate was taken before his concert in Luckenbach after a fender bender in Fredericksburg. I smile each time I look at it! I know he and Eddy are reunited and filling Heaven with their fantastic music. He is missed and shall remain in my heart forever! I am grateful that we can still enjoy his music here on Earth, but will miss his smiling face and Christian soul. Rest In Peace, Dear Heart!
Karen Lee Hill
Friend
November 4, 2020
I love country music. Mr Shaver's family has my sincere sympathy for your loss. May our Heavenly Father grant you peace and comfort.
Steele
November 3, 2020
Your songs made me happy. You were one of my favorite singer songwriters. It is sad to think of no new songs coming from Billy Joe. Hope you "live forever" thanks for the songs.
Phil Mcvay
November 3, 2020
Rest in peace old friend
Mike Cochran
November 3, 2020
My condolences.
November 3, 2020
He wrote and sang with such soul in his voice and words. God Bless you Billy Joe!!!!
Barry Coughlin
November 3, 2020
Matthew 6: 9,10 You must pray, then, this way: Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.
Francois Foster
November 2, 2020
Gonna miss you and your wild ways Billy Joel! RIP you were a amazing person. My prayers are with you and the family. Pat, I love you mom! Love Cathy
Cathy Honea
Family
November 2, 2020
So sorry for the loss of Billy Joe Shaver. He was one of my favorite singer/songwriters. We watched him perform on a show with other performers in Nashville several years ago, and Billy Joe stole the show! His performance was awesome. We got to meet him and take pictures with him after the show, great night. Our sincerest sympathy to his family.
Joyce Marek
Joyce Marek
November 2, 2020
I will never forget the night I got to meet you and Eddy. I know you have been missing your son and your wife. I'm glad your all together again. I'm praying that we will all meet again down the road. RIP Billy Joe Shaver
Terry Conaway Piedmont Alabama USA
November 2, 2020
Billy joe was a great man had the pleasure of hanging out in the back room at the Continental club in Houston years back with kinky Friedman,and my friend who happened to be playing guitar, Jessie guitar Taylor rip Jessie, Billy Joe was just a great person welcomed me with open as even prayed with me at a beer joint may he RIP
Stanley Mayoski
Friend
November 2, 2020
You will be missed. So thankful could help in the early days when I worked at a hotel near the recording studio and could offer affordable rate. Old Chunk of coal was worth it. RIP my friend.
Gerri Walters
Friend
November 2, 2020
Class act of a gentleman. Prayers for the Shaver family.
Penny Raby
November 2, 2020
May the memories carry you through this very difficult time.My condolences to the family.May God fulfill his promise of binding up the broken hearted .(lsa 61:1)
November 2, 2020
After meeting you, there´s no forgetting you. Prayers for all who loved him.
Jackie Ivie
November 2, 2020
We express our sincere condolence to Me Billy´s family. He surely will be missed and we hope the God of all comfort will comfort the family during this period. Take care
Marie & Megan
November 2, 2020
Billy joe was a good friend he will be missed.by all.
Nelda Kelley
November 1, 2020
Sure gonna miss him.
Lea Ann Rogers
November 1, 2020
Rip uncle Billy. You will be missed by so many.
Lea
November 1, 2020
Prayers to family ,Rest in Peace Billy Joe
Patti barnett
November 1, 2020
Lesa and I send our deepest sympathies to the family. He will be deeply missed, but will live on forever through his music and deeds!
God bless!
Johnny & Lesa Holub
Johnny Holub
November 1, 2020
Billy Joe, you will be missed by many. We were friends and schoolmates; and I am hoping that you have peace and comfort now.
Lillian Davis Jacoway
November 1, 2020
I was so honored to have met and become a friend of Billy Joe Shaver he never met a stranger , he will forever be a cherished part of my soul ❤ With gratitude and deepest sympathy
Nancy VerBryck
Friend
November 1, 2020
Rest easy Uncle Billy. You will be missed dearly! May you Live Forever ❤.
Tamara
Family
October 31, 2020
Rest easy Uncle Billy. You will be missed dearly! May you Live Forever ❤.
Tamara
Family
October 31, 2020
My heart is going out to the family of Billy Joe. I hope the huge show of affection will comfort you in some way in this time of sorrow. Billy Joes songs has been with me anytime I needed comfort. I have shared his songs with others in a time of sorrow . Our world has lost a legend, I'm gonna miss you forever . Goodbye Yesterday ! My very favorite photo is Billy and Eddy
Sunshine
October 31, 2020
Rest In Peace cousin.
Tom and Mary Jo Shaver
Tom and Mary Jo Shaver
Tom Shaver
Family
October 31, 2020
Upon meeting, I told Billy, "Its not time yet". Tears welled up in his eyes - I left the restaurant quickly, he caught me in the parking and handed me a CD before I sped off before he could ask me the questionof which I had no answer for. Not knowing who he was..I threw the CD away. I had no idea why those words had come out of my mouth..but he did. Several days later he tracked me down and I would find out what the words meant - the words were a private message delivered thru me. I felt blessed to have been the messenger. Our friendship grew for the next 9 months. I toured the state of Florida with him and his band and supported him in many venues throughout Texas. I determined that our journey was over but told him that he would "always be my best friend." He was a sweet, kind, considerate and extremely talented Spirit always putting others before himself. Billy will always hold a special place in my heart. I saw in him a Warrior for Jesus Christ.
Joanne Mathis
Friend
October 31, 2020
Rest in Peace Billy Joe...Was a fan from the very first time I saw you in Jacksonville,Florida at the Jacksonville Memorial Colusium I was hooked by you're songs..And your singing as well..That was back when it was Willie Nelson & Family,Emmylou Harris & her Hot Band (with a very young Ricky Skaggs) and yourself and your band..I have every record (CD) you ever put out..Thank you sir and may you rest in Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ and know that yes "You are going to live forever".. I chose Student as my relationship to you because as a songwriter myself I studied and learned a lot about the art of songwriting from you...My wife Jaye and myself send our prayers to all of your friends and family during the days and years ahead..And we thank all of them for sharing you with all of us in themusic world..Again Rest In Peace BJS you will never be forgotten by this ole country boy ever...
Jerry Brownstead
Student
October 30, 2020
First saw him perform with his son Eddie at an in-store performance at a Hastings in College Station. They gave a truly riveting rendition of "Old Five and Dimers Like Me." Will be sorely missed. A legendary performer and songwriter.
Jmmie Purvis
Acquaintance
October 30, 2020
Rest in Peace, Billy Joe. Seeing you in concert was an almost religious experience. Our loss is heaven's gain. You're going to live forever now.
Nicolett Darling
Acquaintance
October 30, 2020
Rest in peace, you will be missed
Rosie Galbreath
Acquaintance
October 30, 2020
The Man, the Myth, the Legend, RIP my friend.
GW Tamster
Friend
October 30, 2020
God bless Billie Joe Shaver.
Emmett Pond
October 30, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to the Shaver family, truly sorry for your loss, so many will miss his music, may God be with all of you to help carry you through your time of tears.
October 30, 2020
Rest sweet,old friend.
Sandra Ruijs
October 30, 2020
His best song was Freedom’s Child. I saw him at Hardly Strictly. He was telling young fans (in his own way) to let go of your mind and follow your heart. It was always heart to heart with him. He, Willie and Bobbie Nelson, the way they grew up they had nothing. They had to rely on God. And when we get old that’s all we’ll have. It came through in their music.
Rich Davis
October 30, 2020
Forever a gift - rest peacefully - You will live forever in our hearts!
Melissa
October 30, 2020
Condolences for the loss of a country music giant, Billy Joe Shaver. May God give the family peace of mind and heart at this time of grief.
October 30, 2020
One of the greatest songwriters. We will miss him.
Myron Ketter
October 30, 2020
Everybody says Billy Joe and I look like twin brothers. But I don't have his talent.
Jim Jackson
October 30, 2020
He was the star in alot of hearts. He will be missed.
barbara
October 30, 2020
discovered this guys music some years, thank you for the memories, Rest in Peace.
Timothy Dennehy
Significant_other
October 30, 2020
To the family, I send my sincere condolences Khorramshahr the loss of your loved one. May God comfort you all at this difficult time.
Mary
Neighbor
October 30, 2020
Thank you for the years of wonderful entertainment. You will always be my favorite songwriter. And you will live forever through them.
Mike Harris
Acquaintance
October 30, 2020
Louis Rocha
Acquaintance
October 30, 2020
Tracee Messerschmidt
Friend
October 30, 2020
This world has lost a true gem. We can only hope that he is on his way to Heaven On A Fast Train, where he will rendezvous with his beloved Eddy. Billy Joe, your unique and wonderful voice will be sorely missed.
JEANINE
October 29, 2020
Kent Sivadge
October 29, 2020
Good friend from high school. RIP
Bobby Tacker
Classmate
October 29, 2020
Met in Kansas City Mo and went to his concerts a bunch of times. God, I hate to see him go.
John Bever
Acquaintance
October 29, 2020
Am so sorry for your loss.
PATRICIA Cochran Williams
October 29, 2020
DebraHollinshead
October 29, 2020
DebraHollinshead
October 29, 2020
This Man his heart so warm tender sweet & soft this life well lived my condolences to all that had the honor the privilege to know a man of this greatness The Lord God Jesus Christ has set a table of glory & that is where Billy Joe does ....now sit You graced my life you touched my heart & would your memories your songs through this earth shall forever live.... your friend Debra Hollinshead
DebraHollinshead
October 29, 2020
My condolences to the family. May the God of Comfory, continue to comfort the family, during these difficult times.
October 29, 2020
You and Eddie can play together again
Gary Shivers
October 29, 2020
I will miss Billy Joe till the day I die. Billy, JJ Walker, and Willie Nelson represent the essence of the "soul of Texas". Billy's music and lyrics colored my life for 47 years. Coming from Louisiana in the early 70s, I was introduced to Billie Joe at Houston's Sand Mountain. In those early days, I occasionally played with him when he came through town. His voice and music will be sorely missed. His spirit will be with me always.
Mitchell Granger
October 29, 2020
He was a great friend of mine. We talked about every week. He called last week and we talked about a hour. My wife said this is going to be a sad Christmas. He always called us Christmas Eve. He always asked about family and at the end of our conversation he always told us he loved all of us and could not wait to see us. A very good friend
Larry Eaton
Friend
October 29, 2020
Truly May God's love comfort you in this your loss.
October 29, 2020
A tribute to a very talented musician with a truly genuine personality to match. My husband & I saw Billy Joe Perform in Ann Arbor. Mi and I will never forget him, he was wonderful ,genuine & very much into his crowd making them all truly appreciate his musical talents & him as a genuine person coming to entertain. He will add a tone & tune in Heaven. He will never be forgotten.
Jim & Jan Toole
Michigan
Jim & Jan Toole
Michigan
October 29, 2020
Sincere condolences to the Shaver Family, May you be comforted by the God of Tender Mercies. May he soothe your hearts with his endless love and and peace as you cope and miss Billy in your lives. Thank you for his contribution to the country music industry.
BRY
October 29, 2020
to many times people choose the wrong people as their heroes. its people like billy joe shaver that i choose because of their sincerity, kindness, down to earth goodness,and great talent. i know that heaven welcomed him with open arms.
Carmen Ritch
Friend
October 29, 2020
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Billy Joe Shaver. His contribution to music will always be appreciated. May our Heavenly Father comfort you in your time of loss. Philippians 4:7
Chris
October 29, 2020
I met Billy Jo and his son Eddy and Brother Charles Henry’s church, Speegleville Christian Center. He would play his guitar and sing in that tiny Pentecostal church. That is the only side of Billy Jo I knew and we prayed diligently for his son before his passing. I went to Eddy’s funeral and supported Billy. Never went to any of his concerts but always listened to his songs when they came on the radio after I moved to Arkansas in 2001. I will miss him. Praying for the family.
Elisa Bowlet
Friend
October 29, 2020
Mr. Shaver I met you when you played in downtown Ft. Worth and stood beside you selling tshirts and DVD’s. I’m so very glad to meet such a down to earth person as yourself. You’ll live forever in my heart.
Curtis W. Roberts
Friend
October 29, 2020
A true outlaw. You are now gonna live forever my friend! Eddy’s waiting on you and it’ll be a celebration when you get there!
Matthew Setzer
Friend
October 29, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. I remember from a movie called Bait Shop with Bill Engvall.
Greg Adams
October 29, 2020
I first met Billy Joe when I was hanging out with Townes Van Zandt & was on my honeymoon in Kerrville. He always remembered me whenever I ran into him. Such a nice guy. He will be missed.
Jerri' Ervin
Friend
October 29, 2020
Your music will go on forever
Tracee Messerschmidt
October 29, 2020
I met Billy in White Oak Texas about 7 years ago. He was so nice and even played a request I had made.
I’ve loved his music and am so proud to be one who has supported him as a fan.
God Bless Billy Joe
Sing one for Jesus,,,,,,,,, remember he has a sense of humor!
Love you always
Al Denton
I’ve loved his music and am so proud to be one who has supported him as a fan.
God Bless Billy Joe
Sing one for Jesus,,,,,,,,, remember he has a sense of humor!
Love you always
Al Denton
Al Denton
Friend
October 28, 2020
I met Billy Joe in the late eighties - nineties and to this day I have never meet a more genuine kind hearted soul. His music is timeless and speaks to everyone! That is what made him such a Outlaw Legend and I am grateful to have known him and his son. You are gonna Live Forever in my heart! Rest in Peace Billy Joe.
Paula Richards
Friend
October 28, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Cathy Lewis
October 28, 2020
Kent Sivadge
October 28, 2020
BILLY JO WAS SO KOOL AND WE LOVED WATCHING AND ENJOYED A STORY AFTER EVERY SONG. YES HE WAS THE EPITOME OF OUTLAW COUNTRY. RIP SIR.
MIKE & RENA GRUBBS
Friend
October 28, 2020
Rest easy Billy Joe. Thank you for the many years of great music. Just know your music will live on. Condolences to family,friends and fans
James Jacobs
October 28, 2020
My musical soul is anchored in the 1970s in Austin, Texas. The music of Willie, Waylon, and Billie Joe. Rest in peace you "old five-and-dimer".
Dan Wiginton
Acquaintance
October 28, 2020
Rest in Peace Billy Joe.
The music world has been slammed, yet again. So sad.
Our hearts are aching!!!
The music world has been slammed, yet again. So sad.
Our hearts are aching!!!
Cindy Herd
October 28, 2020
Unfortunately I never met him though he was married to my late mother-in-law's cousin Brenda Joyce Tindell Shaver (long before I married my husband). I heard of him through my husband and his parents. I then found his music on YouTube plus mention of him, or him speaking, in a documentary or two. Thank you Billy Joe for 'Honky-Tonk Heroes' and other songs you wrote others had hits with. They are your legacy. You can rest easy because your with your mother, Brenda, and Eddie. Family ties once unbound now bound again. You'll be missed.
Teresa Parrish
October 28, 2020
Billy Joe sure was good to me. During the 10 - 15 years we knew each other, we laughed, prayed some good prayers (sometimes for my son, Luke), and had a few good talks and said he liked the videos of the shows that I gave him. He once told me that I was lucky to have Melinda and to be good to her, then he gave her a kiss on her forehead and hugged us both. I hope we hug him again in heaven. We had some "been there done that" stories that were alike but I think our belief in Jesus is why we liked each other. They just don't come like Billy Joe Shaver very often.
Mark (BLUE) Robinette
Friend
October 28, 2020
A Billy Joe Shaver show was nothing short of a musical prayer meeting. Joyful to watch him on his knees rolling out prayer in tongues right there on stage in front of everybody.
God Speed, My Brother.
God Speed, My Brother.
Grant Wiscour
Friend
October 28, 2020
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. May God comfort you and give you peace during this most difficult time.
T G
Acquaintance
October 28, 2020
Godspeed Billy, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the music memories.
Harry Simpson
October 28, 2020