Billy Austin King

1939 - 2018

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Billy Austin King, age 79 of Las Cruces, NM on December 1, 2018.
Born to Austin and Vivian King in Clinton Oklahoma April 25, 1939 a twin to Eddie, he later had a younger sister, Sharon.
The family moved to Arapaho Oklahoma in 1947 to raise cattle while the children continued through high school. Bill became an Eagle Scout and later an assistant leader for three years during which time he enjoyed many outdoor activities and achievements. He also served in the Army Guard for a few years. After graduating with his 9-member senior class in 1959, he worked at Strange Jones from 59-63, then moved to Las Cruces in 1964 to work at the Johnson Space Center (Apollo Site) where he met his wife of 20 years, Elizabeth. In 1970 he worked for Boone Electric Co out of Alb, then City of Las Cruces, United Nuclear Corp, Gulf and Standard Oil Company, and City of Las Cruces (Electrical Dept.) until he retired in 2013. Bill met Beth Ann his second wife at Cowboy's while country western dancing in 1988 and they married in 2008. His favorite activity was stock car racing in Las Cruces and spending time with Beth traveling and visiting family. Bill was a dedicated father and grandfather as he vested a lot of time and energy with his daughter Diane and her future. He also spent all the time possible with his grandchildren Brandon, Zachary, and Olivia and his step grand-children Carrie, Samantha, and Robert Jr Houston. Bill attended all the grandchildren's activities whether in school or outside of school or church. He really enjoyed all the sports games they all were involved in from football, baseball, softball, soccer, track, and he always supported any and all church events that any of them were involved in. At times he also became assistant coach with some of the children's teams he was always there when chaperones were needed. Many a time Bill would sponsor not only his grandchildren but also other children that could not afford sports gear or fees to play on a team. He would sponsor other children to go to church camp as he always knew that children needed an outlet too and he never wanted to see anyone left behind as he always gave from his heart never expecting anything in return. He was a devoted Christian family man that set an exceptional example of being a wonderful father and grandfather. He attended The Church of Christ for many years, then currently attended First Baptist Church early service and after that was over, he would join Betty Watson at St. Andrews Episcopal church. Betty and Bill met at the senior center in Mesilla Park where they would go have lunch daily and a romance blossomed for 5 years of them being together and enjoying many social outings together.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Austin and Vivian and his sister Sharon Spears, his beloved wife Beth Landow-King, his son Jeffrey Eric King, and grandson Zachary Vasquez-King.
He is survived by his twin brother, Eddie, his former wife Elizabeth, daughter Linda Diane, grandson Brandon David, and granddaughter Olivia Houston-King, Carrie, Samantha, and Robert Jr Houston and his beloved companion Betty Watson.
Bill was a gentleman and a romantic whom always had a calmness about him. He was a servant to his master the Holy Spirit and anyone that ever was in his presence knew that he always spoke with a kind tongue and loving heart. Bill always had an excellent work ethic as he was hardly ever absent from work therefore never really using any sick leave and always up at daylight due to his history of years working on the family farm in Oklahoma. His strong Christian morals and values and not being worldly is what truly set him apart as true devoted Christian, husband, father and grandfather. Bill was a simple man that really lived for today in today. Most that knew him described him as "a good ol country boy." Upon the hour of his lord and savior calling him to come home he was in the presence of those that loved and cared for him. The presence of the Holy Spirit was also felt covering all that were present with him in love comfort and peace as his last breath was quietly and effortlessly exhausted just like the moment, he was first given his first breathe by his master when he was born. Bill lived a full life filled with many wonderful memories full of love laughter wisdom mercy forgiveness humbleness faithfulness loyalty kindness he was delivered into this world from God and was taken home with God as it is written and witnessed in the hour and day of his passing. Bill believed in the power and strength of Jesus Christ's love, commandments, and promises. He believed in being in peace and being whole again upon being reunited with his lord and savior, his beloved wife Beth, his son and grandson who passed before him. You will always be with each and every one of us in our hearts as you will never be forgotten for your kindness humbleness and never failing love. For you my dear loved one are the irreplaceable Gentle-man that truly knew the real definition of Love as it is written in the good book and every life experience with you will always be remembered and defined by that definition of love as you always taught us.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be James Warnat, Jack Skillin, Ben Bradford, Michael Dodds, Jesse Morton, and Robert Houston Jr.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hospice or Safe Haven for animals please.
A memorial service of celebration is scheduled for December 19 at 11:00 AM at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, 518 N. Alameda Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88005. Reception after service. Burial at Masonic Cemetery after reception at 1:00 PM Rev. Canon Scott will officiate services. Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com