Billy John Click

Billy lived his life like a good country song with trains, close friendships, a little heartache, and lots of love.
Billy's greatest love was his family: his wife of 45 years, Rachel, and their sons Danny and Davy, and their families. His other loves included trains, country music, wood working, wine, barbecuing, and celebrating every occasion- on the actual day.
His children and grandchildren have special memories of holidays spent with this amazing man. Billy loved to give gifts and would go to any length to procure the perfect one. He also loved every party, especially his own birthday parties. He was already planning ahead for his 80th in 2023 and wanted a fish fry to commemorate the milestone.
He was blessed to share passions with each of his boys. Danny and Billy shared a passion for trains and spent countless hours and weekends passing down this love to Danny's children, Cody and Casey. This was truly a family passion and many summers were spent traveling the United States by train. Billy's outgoing nature made him a great ambassador for the model railroad and live steam hobbies that he loved. He formed lifelong bonds and friendships with his train buddies all over the country. They were his family too. Alternatively, Davy and Billy shared a passion for music and woodworking. Billy absolutely loved playing guitar with Davy and listening to songs that Davy had written. Davy is an accomplished musician and a true artist, handcrafting beautiful fine furniture. Billy lit up joyfully when he saw his children in their elements doing what they love.
Billy was born in Llano, Texas on September 1, 1943, to Marvin and Helene Birk Click. He was the baby brother of two older sisters, Barbara and Marilyn. His early years were spent on a working cattle ranch in the Click community in Southeast Llano County before moving into town. Billy attended Llano schools and graduated from Llano High School in 1961. During his high school years, he played football, enjoyed playing guitar with his longtime friend Darrell Staedtler, and was a Valentine Favorite.
Billy was a curious, kind, lifelong learner, and an avid reader. He earned a degree in physics from Southwest Texas State and a master's degree in computer science from Stephen F. Austin University.
After college graduation in 1965, Billy began his career working for NASA. While stationed in Cocoa Beach, Florida, he met and fell in love with his wife, Rachel. They married three months later in the summer of 1968. Shortly after marriage, He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war.
In 1971, Billy and Rachel moved to Nacogdoches. This was their home and their backdrop for the next three decades. During that time, they welcomed three children, Danny, Kerri, and Davy. Billy spent 23 years at Stephen F. Austin as the director of computing and telecommunications.
Rachel and Billy moved back to Llano in 2000, and made their home on the Llano River. Billy worked as a software engineer until his retirement in 2013. He stayed active after his retirement, "with his lunch bunch" friends, and faithfully attending the Lutheran Church where he grew up. He was also an active member of the Lions Club for over 40 years.
Most people don't have the opportunity to have a second chance at love, but Billy had the good fortune to spend his seventies with Gene Hall. She was his loyal companion with whom he spent the last years of his life. Gene's children appreciate the love and patience that he showed their mother and will miss his kindness and his presence.
Billy is survived by his son, Daniel Click and wife Brittany, grandchildren Cody and Casey Click of Brownwood, Texas; son, David Click and wife Haley and grandchildren Brady and Maggie Click of Georgetown, Texas; sister, Barbara Edwards and husband Dan and their four daughters; sister, Marilyn McFarland and her four sons.
Preceding him in death were wife, Rachel Alice Click; daughter, Kerri Marie Click; father, Marvin Click; mother, Helene Click.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 19th from 5-7pm at the Harrell Funeral Home, formerly Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 20th at 10am at St James Lutheran church with the burial to be held in the Llano City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St James Lutheran Church, The Llano Historical Society or the charity of your choice.