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BORN
1938
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Billy Ennis Memoriam
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Ennis
Billy Byrd
October 24, 2017
Billy Mack and I have been best friends almost our entire life. It always made me proud when his mother would say Billy Byrd was the only town person that ever came to Weldon. I don't know how many times I talked about going to see Billy Mack when he was fighting polio. I told him about seeing him in an Iron Lung and how much that worried me. Billy Mack was too polite to correct me until later in life. He was never in an Iron Lung. Phillip Hout and I both really embellished our stories. Never let a little truth interfere with a good story. Billy Mack thankfully was always there to correct and tell the truth about our mutually shared stories. Through high school we double dated for years, and shared so many experiences. Some good and very few bad. I looked in our 1956 year book to see what Billy Mack had written. What a chuckle to remember we both were sent to the principal's office on two occasions and threatened with being expelled from grade school. He signed it Best friends forever and we were.
After high school, everyone went to a different college or other location. Unfortunately, we didn't do a good job of staying in touch. One think was for sure, while many of us were finally reaching some degree of financial freedom, Billy Mack was flying across the US in a Gulfstream in route to play golf at Pebble Beach. He was way ahead of me and stayed that way throughout the years.
Actually, I would give Hout credit for starting a new chapter. He suggested on the next trip to Newport that we go fishing. That grew to many fly fishing trips to fish the White River and Ennis joined us. The fellowship with special friends and our families began to grow and meet often. Billy Mack and Paula really changed everything. I planned my whole life around our trips. We also started duck hunting in Tennessee and Arkansas. After years of duck hunting, Billy Mack decided it was time to get a dog for retrieving. Phillip considered himself to be an expert and offered plenty of advice. My contribution was to tell him dress down, look poor and borrow an old pickup truck. When he showed up at the kennel in a suit and tie, driving the most expensive Mercedes that money could buy, he wasn't in much of a position to argue price. Gunner was the best black lab I have ever seen and few dogs anywhere have retrieved more ducks than Gunner. Duck hunting in Tennessee was a different experience. Besides having plenty of ducks, few people have hunted in a concrete pit bunker, individual heating device, refrigerator, freezer, full sink and stove, also color TV to watch while Billy Mack cooked breakfast. Ennis did everything right and first class.
Again, Billy Mack and Paula took another big step in growing our friendship and expanding our group. The duck hunting turned into a Tennessee hunt and in Arkansas, it was cocktails, hot tub and great food. Speaking of hot tubs, Billy Mack was in Phil and Ann Hout's hot tub, discussing maintenance and cleaning, and talking about today's hunt, when Phillip stated you know, we have never had a spill or any other accident with the tub, Billy Mack reached over to get his bloody Mary, which was made in a container bigger than the big gulp and knocked it in the tub. End of no accident stories.
Billy Mack and Paula have a great lake front home on Lake Picwick. Sharon Campbell constantly complained why she was not invited to fish. So, Sharon and Camille joined the group. As everyone knows, when Sharon is around, there is always a lot of laughter. Because Sharon was having trouble getting back to the house (it was steep) typical of Billy Mack, the next trip, he had built a road to the boat house and vehicle to go back and forth. Their generosity in all of our trips, fishing, hunting or just socializing, is beyond compare. I have hours of film while fishing and hunting, along with a lot of other stuff. The one thing I missed was taking the 5 o'clock cruise on Billy Mack and Paula's pontoon boat. The bar was set up and snacks everywhere and as usual, Paula had made some great and unique h'orderves. On board, Sharon, Camille, Ann and Philip and myself. Ennis turned a corner, hit a wave, the boat dipped, everyone was in shock except me and I quickly said out loud, man, I didn't know what you were talking about when you said watch this! Billy Mack was apologetic to Phillip who was about half wet, Paula was saying Phillip, with a facial expression I will never forget, she looked like she had jumped off the boat and now, from the top of her head to her feet, totally soaked. Billy Mack said I never said watch this, no one believed him.
Paula has a large group of friends. I always wondered what Billy Mack would have done if Paula came to him and said I want you to buy beer, wine, liquor, fix orders, prepare dinner, make sure we have desert, after you take my friend's husbands fishing, hunting and other travels. In our phone calls, and we talked often, when it was time to hand up, Billy Mack always would end the call by saying I love you Byrd. I cannot tell you how much I miss hearing those words.
I think you both were special people and Paula, I hope I have earned your love.
Holly Clowers
February 24, 2017
The Clowers and Moore families were so sorry to hear of your loss, Paula. Bill was so very special. My heart goes out to you.
Peggy House McCollum
February 22, 2017
My brother, Howard and I grew up with Billy Mack and his brother, Ronnie. I have many wonderful memories. Rest in peace. Billy Mac, you will be missed.
Mack Browder
February 20, 2017
Paula, so sorry to hear about this. Did not see notice in time for Carolyn and me to make it to the memorial. He was a great friend and mentor. We will certainly miss his chuckle and positive attitude. Your family is in our prayers
Sue Bonner
February 18, 2017
My heart goes out to The Ennis family at this sad time! I never really knew him well, but it was so obvious that he was a leader in the Jackson community and loved his God and his family above all! My prayers will go up to the Father of all comfort for all the family and friends. Special ndolences to Joyce Heffernan and her family!
Michelle Johnson
February 18, 2017
I count it an honor and a blessing to have met and loved Uncle Bill. He opened his home, his arms, and his heart to everyone around him, and I've never met another man more loved by family and friends than him. He is very missed.
Charlie Dyer
February 17, 2017
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great neighbor and always so kind to all. Sassene, Jay and I will always have fond memories and will be thinking of you during these times.
Larry Johnson
February 16, 2017
To Paula, Joyce and family Rebecca and I extend our sympathy and love in the loss of your husband and brother. We are so sorry but as believers we are assured there is a better place where there is no tears nor sadness and you can be comforted in that. I know you have great memories so enjoy them.. With love.
Rebecca and Larry Johnson
Barbara and Charles Jackson
February 16, 2017
We are so sorry for you and your family in time of loss Paula. We have fond memories of you and Bill and have thought of you so often. Always will remember Bill's big smile and words of wisdom! Praying for God's grace to help you and your family through this time of darkness.
hal hunter
February 16, 2017
Dear Paula and family, our hearts are with you at the loss of a special man. i will always cherish my friendship with Bill, he was a wonderful person. sincerely hal and kathie hunter
E Ferguson
February 13, 2017
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. God has promised to end sickness and death forever.(Isa.33:24;25:8) He will reunite us with our loved ones to live according to His original purpose.(Gen.1:28)
Camille Murray
February 12, 2017
Billy Mack was a longtime and special friend. He will be missed by many. We grew up together and never lost contact ... that's what special friends do for each other! My love to Paula and the family!
Your friend, Camille Murray
Now residing in Austin Texas
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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