William Everett Bilderback Jr.

1918 - 2009

William Everett Bilderback Jr., 90, a loving husband, father, "PaPa" and great-grandfather, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning, Jan. 14, 2009.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Friday in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, 1000 Penn St. Billy will be laid to rest privately next to his wife, Mary Ellen in Greenwood Memorial Park.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Mr. Bilderback’s family suggests consideration of contributions to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, or First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth.
William Everett Bilderback Jr. was born in Fort Worth on Sept. 25, 1918, the son of William Everett Sr. and Margaret Bilderback. Billy graduated from Central High School and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen, who preceded him in death in 2006. He attended Texas Christian University on a baseball scholarship; his college education was interrupted by World War II.
Billy served as a first lieutenant in the Army Anti-Aircraft Artillary (206th AAA). He was stationed in Hawaii one year before leaving for the invasion of Iwo Jima with the Marines. His experience with the war is published in Tom Brokaw's book, "The Greatest Generation Speaks." Following the war, he returned home and started his family with the birth of his only child, Jimmy.
Billy's successful business career started at Atlas Powder Co. as a sales representative. He purchased Texas Contractors Supply Co. in 1951, and later started Bilderback Explosives.
Billy was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and St. James Presbyterian Church, where he served in various capacities as Sunday school teacher and on the building committee. His later years were spent as a member of First Presbyterian Church.
He was a member of the Tabernacle Lodge #1195, A.F. & A.M., Moslah Temple Shrine and the Fort Worth Scottish Rite Body. Billy was a past president of Moslah Temple Shrine Patrol and was also a member of the Royal Order Jesters Court No. 32.
Visiting the family farm in Granbury and frequent trips to Hawaii with his wife, Mary Ellen, were Billy's favorite hobbies.
His family wishes to express their love and appreciation to all of the caregivers at Broadway Plaza/Westover Hills where he spent the last five years and received unconditional love. Seasons Hospice also provided loving care. A special thanks to Theresa Hall, a dedicated and compassionate caregiver for six years.
Survivors: In addition to his son, Jimmy and his wife, Sonia, Billy is survived by his grandson, Brian Bilderback and his wife, Darla; his granddaughter, Betsy Bilderback Crum and her husband, Justin; and greatâ€"grandchildren, Blakely and William Everett Bilderback III and Caden and Mary Catherine Crum.