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Billy Bludworth Obituary
1944-2016
Billy Ray Bludworth, 72, died at his home in Houston on Saturday night, October 1, 2016. Billy was born September 20, 1944, in Houston, Texas and was a lifelong proud Texan and Houstonian. He grew up in south Houston with his beloved sister, Cindy, and parents, Martin and Jeannie. He spent his younger days sailing his father's and other sailboats in Galveston Bay, a passion he would carry on throughout his life. He attended Milby High School, where he was the president of the class of 1963. Through the years, he regularly organized and hosted reunions for his Milby classmates and friends, some of his most treasured. He kept the class of 1963 together until the day he died. He attended the University of Texas for undergraduate and law school and was a lifelong Longhorn fan. While a student there, he founded the UT Sailing Team, which still competes to this day. He also helped design and build the Bat Boat for the Batman TV show starring Adam West while working for Glastron during college. During his time in Austin, he and some friends started a Dinner Club, a group of friends that continues to meet regularly to this day. He practiced law in Houston for nearly 50 years. He gave freely of his time and money to all who knew him. He volunteered countless hours for his favorite organization, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he became a Lifetime Vice President. He was a member of the Tejas Vaqueros. His favorite vacation spot was the British Virgin Islands, where he introduced many friends to sailing. At every stop in life, Billy's warm and generous soul shone through, as evidenced by the many loyal friends he made along his journey. He was a true southern gentleman.
He is survived by his sister, Cindy, and her partner, John Gaston; his son, Hunter, and daughter-in-law, Kate, and grandson, Jack (5); his son, Whitney, and daughter-in-law, Bridget, and grandsons, Martin (9), and Brady (5); his grandnephew, Luca Bishop and grandniece, Ella Bishop; and many more cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Jeannie; by his nephew, Corbett Bishop; and by countless bottles of Jack Daniels.
It was his wish to have no memorial service and his remains will be cremated. He has asked that his ashes be spread into Galveston Bay from the pier at the Bludworth Bayhouse. His family will have a private ceremony for that event.
There will be a celebration of his life that will be open to all comers held in Houston from 2-5pm on Sunday, October 9th at Treebeards on Market Square in Downtown Houston .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Bludworth
Bob Hux
September 30, 2024
I still think of Billy Ray to this day and miss his company and friendship. Even miss his singing at Fuads (but then I can't sign worth a damn) even though he just couldn't quite get the Aggie War Hymn right :-)
Robin Dossey Parked
September 30, 2024
I will always remember Billy because he was great friend of my brother Dale Dossey. He and Dale were brothers from another mother at both Milby and UT. Thoughts your way, Robin Dossey Parkinson.
Robin Dossey Parkinson
September 30, 2021
Billy could have very well been the twin of my brother, Dale Dossey. Bill had so many fun times with Dale and both their smiles come to me when I hear Billy´s name. I will always remember Billy.
Linda Reichardt
October 1, 2019
I miss Bill! One great gentleman to know
and be around.
Eugenia Zibby
September 30, 2019
There's still a hole in my heart from my "my man in the moon". Love you, Billy Ray. Always will.....9-30-2019
Linda
January 30, 2018
Still missing Billy Ray. I can still see him at Fuads sitting in his favorite spot and enjoying his great personality and singing The Shadow of Your Smile.
Billy the shadow of your smile is forever!
With love.
Linda Reichardt
Mary Podrazik
October 13, 2016
Bill was a kind, cheerful man full of life and inspired me. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family. I knew Bill a very short time, but he was different, you could feel his kind heart. I am very sad to hear of his death.
Brad Baskett
October 11, 2016
Bill will be greatly missed.... my family knew his family from our dads attending law school together at UT Austin.... Thoughts and prayers with you and your family
October 10, 2016
With deepest sympathy, may you find comfort from God's word at John 6: 40
October 8, 2016
He will missed
Geni Zibby
October 7, 2016
I've struggled for days to find words to express my profound sorrow. Billy and I shared a sweet and very special friendship that spanned over 6 decades. He's left a big hole in my heart and he'll always be my "man in the moon".
I extend my deepest sympathy to his dear family and many friends.
With love, Geni (Blankenship) Zibby
Ron and Charlotte Glenn
October 7, 2016
All the heartfelt comments define Billy's life. Feeling very blessed that we knew him. Condolences to Cindy and family. Ron (Milby '63) and Charlotte Glenn
Charlotte Glenn
October 7, 2016
All the wonderful comments defines the life of Billy. Feeling very blessed that we knew him. Condolences to his family. Ron (63') and Charlotte
October 7, 2016
Billy Ray, my heart is saddened but you're light and The Shadow of Your Smile" will be with me forever!
Linda Reichardt
Laura Drexel
October 7, 2016
Felt the sad ache when I got to the train station yesterday morning and thought of calling Billy while I waited for the train. Will miss our calls so much. So many great qualities bundled into one slow talking Texas cowboy with a great smile. Such a great friend to many and a brother who loved his sister so much. God bless you,Cindy and all who loved him. He will always be with us.
Pat Goettsche
October 7, 2016
Bill was my attorney and friend. He was truly s Southern gentleman and I will miss him. I send my condolences to all of his family.
Pastor Linda Case
October 7, 2016
May you Rest In Peace, Shalom.
Prayers for Family.
You now are in the presence of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Don't forget to Say a Few Good Words for the Rest of Us...
You will Be Missed!! Much ❤
Aaron Henry
October 6, 2016
very honorable presence, to be in the room with Mr. Bludworth was something I wont ever forget :/
October 6, 2016
My heart aches for Billy Ray's family and I will miss his friendship, his smile, his legal accumen, his many kindnesses, the discussions about Aggie and Longhorn football and many other things. He was a great advisor to me personally and legally as well as to the Cullen Trusts that I served as Trustee for 20 years. What a true gentleman and I know he will be missed at Fuads where he showed Katherine and I that he could even sing well. I know his Dinner Club must be sad due to his passing. I never remember him ever having anything but a kind word to say about just about everybody. He will be missed at the Rodeo (one of the good guys) and may he finally rest in peace. My life was made better by having Billy Ray in it.
God be with you Billy Ray.
Barbara Perrin
October 6, 2016
Billy Ray will be sorely missed. Yes, he was a true southern gentleman.
October 6, 2016
All of the Dosseys and their families wish the family of Billy our condolences. We will continue to celebrate the moments we were together.
Ann Rodriguez
October 6, 2016
Sure will miss your presence at our gatherings. You may be gone, but forgotten. RIP
October 6, 2016
Cindy and Family,
I first met Billy when he introduced himself to me when I was a Sophomore at Milby and he was a Junior. Our friendship grew over the next 55 years... at MIlby, through reunions, law practice, his sponsorship of me into the Tejas Vaqueros, parties at the Bay House, and a visit here and there. I never saw him without a smile. Our lives are better having known him. Billy Ray will truly be missed.
My prayers are for you and the family.
Pat Ellis
Buffalo '64
Marla Hueske
October 6, 2016
I send my upmost sympathy and prayers to the family of Bill. This obituary just about sums it up for how kind and generous Bill was. He was our Milby High School rock, always there for all of us since he was our president for the class of 1963. I remember him in high school being so nice and not to say the best looking guy in our class of 1963.
Bill also introduced me and my husband to the BVI's although we were on a power boat which he couldn't understand but we accepted the teasing of not being able to be a true boater and not sail. He was the best at sailing so it would have been a lot of competition there. We also enjoyed his visits to Bandera where he loved to do the two step and always found some pretty cowgirl to dance with. Several of our classmates of 1963 celebrated our big birthday last October and our leader was here in Bandera to share the celebration. Bill, you were so loved and admired and our Milby class will sure miss our leader. May you rest in peace until we meet again.
Susan Williams
October 6, 2016
I am so saddened by Bill's passing. I got to know him when I served on the Rodeo's H-Magazine Committee back in the 90s, and found that he would become a wonderful, sweet friend for life. I always looked forward to the hug he would give me every time I saw him he gave the best hugs!! Bill was one of those men who always had time to say hi and share a conversation. He simply was a true gentleman, a kind, considerate, wonderfully funny, guy. I send Bill off with this quote (from a wanna-be sailor to a real sailor). Hark, now hear the sailors cry, smell the sea, and feel the sky let your soul & spirit fly, into the mystic...
Adrienne Finch
October 6, 2016
Bill was a very special man. He was always kind to me and did give of his time to help me when I need help with a law problem. When I tried to pay him, he said "Ok fine...it is $25.00". Again, I want to thank him for always being there for Tonya (my daughter) when she needed him. I will miss his bright, smiling face at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. RIP Bill. May my prayers and blessings go out to his family.
Elise Flanders
October 6, 2016
Billy Ray absolutely was a true southern gentleman. I treasure all of the years that I worked closely with him. Good times abounded and I give my sincerest condolences to all of his family and friends. I will miss him. Billy Ray absolutely made the world a better place. You're loved and missed BRB.
October 6, 2016
Billy's great smile always made you smile when you would see him. He will be missed by all. We will keep Hunter and all of Billy's family in our prayers during this time.
Mike & Joy
October 6, 2016
May my heart felt prayers go out to the family and friends for your loss.
Terry.R Pruitt
Mary Castillo
October 6, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family. What a wonderful and generous human being. I graduated 2 years before Billy. i have always considered Milby Alumni as my second family. May he rest in peace.
Love,
Mary Flores Castillo
Proud Milby Buff - Class of 1961
Leonard Ferguson
October 6, 2016
Billy was kind to all, no matter who, what or where. I shall never forget his kindness to me. May God give you peace and comfort for the loss of this very special man.
Roy Markum
October 6, 2016
Growing up in the east end Billy and I attended Southmayd Elementary, Deady Jr. High and shared many birthday parties.
I was very sorry to read of his passing.
My condolences to the family.
October 6, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family and friends during this most difficult time. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so beloved. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your loved one is in God's memory because those who pass on "are precious in His eyes." Psalms 116: 15
Brenda Heitzman
October 6, 2016
Will miss your smile and hugs when I walk into Fuads. It will not be the same without you there. Rest In Peace, until we meet again.....
Charlene Hightower Moore
October 5, 2016
Bill,
RIP what a shock. You will be missed by many and I will see you in heaven some day. Class of 63
God Bless
Vanessa Schillaci
October 5, 2016
One of the most kind and generous men I have ever known. My heart is broken that he is gone. Will miss him more than words can say.
Kathleen Breslin Reichle
October 5, 2016
Rest in peace Billy Ray. You were such a special guy. You will be missed by so many and the city of Houston will certainly miss your presence.
Timothy Smith
October 5, 2016
Bill,
You always were full of spirit and care whenever I saw you and treated me like we had been friends for years. Your memory will always live on in song as all your friends gather around like we always have. We will miss you until we get to see you in Heaven.
Regards,
Timothy Smith
Dianne Cullinane Curry
October 5, 2016
Cindy,
It is with great sadness that I write my condolences. Shocking news, indeed. I was viewing The Chronicle Obits looking for a neighbor friend and found Billy. My thoughts are of the many memories our families shared at The Bay. My family has all passed on, yes, David and Gene also. I understand your sadness. May your memories bring you comfort and time bring you peace.
Dianne Cullinane Curry
Jim Curry
Valerie Jenkins
October 5, 2016
You touched the lives of so many with your giving heart and your singing! We will all miss your warm smile and hugs tremendously!
Pat (Jones) Reimann
October 5, 2016
Cindy - My sincere condolences to you and your family. I know you will miss him, but your memories will keep him in your heart forever.
drew pitts
October 5, 2016
this picture is the way I will always think of you .What a smile.
when I am trying to catch the famous "Bludworth Bass" at Terry's
Wyoma English
October 5, 2016
I will miss you Bill. You were a sweet loving friend. You always organized the Milby reunions which I loved. We loved you and words can not express our sorrow but I know we will see you again in Heaven where we will have a joyous reunion with our friends and loved ones. Wyoma Christensen English
October 5, 2016
Dear Billy,our thoughts are with your family. Your friendship for the past 60 years means more to us than we can say. David and Linda Wingo, Houston, Milby class of 63 and 65.
Tommy and Cherita Butcher
October 5, 2016
We will miss him at our reunions. He was a good friend.
Mary Ann Blackburn (Engelke)
October 5, 2016
Rest In Peace Bill, my condolences to Billy's family and friends
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