Billy Duane Ferrel

Billy Duane Ferrel

March 1, 1944 - January 27, 2026

Billy was born in Childress, Texas, in 1944 to Crump and Nelda Ferrel, completing the third generation to scratch a living out of Hall County dirt. He was the youngest of three siblings including his sister Cleta and brother Don, both of whom he loved dearly. Billy grew up a typical mischievous 1950's boy, from bucking out the milk cow for a quarter a ride, to putting on local ropings in the family's future garden plot. He attended school in Estelline since the Parnell school closed when - according to him - they saw him coming. His mother would say there was some truth to that after he shot a hole in the kitchen wall waiting for the Estelline bus. His adventures followed him to Texas Tech where he made many lifelong friends as a "Pike" and through his work at the meats lab. Coincidentally he also earned a degree in Animal Science followed by a masters degree in Education.

Billy, a romantic at heart, was blessed with marriages to two incredible women. He met his first wife, Fran, at Texas Tech. They married in 1966 and moved back to Parnell, Texas, where they built their lives, home, family, and a herd of crossbred cattle. Fran passed away after 48 years of marriage. Bill married Debby, in 2016 and they enjoyed 10 years of sweet companionship, with special joy from their dachshund, Penelope, who would often sleep snuggled around Bill's head in his recliner.

Billy and Fran raised two children together, Amber and Ty. Billy led his family in working together on the ranch as they raised cattle, "ground on" and appreciated good horses, and prayed for rain. He worked hard, always up early, figuring on the back of a napkin various side hustles like laying pipeline or studying stock market investments. He carried on a family tradition of making a big breakfast to ensure the kids didn't burn any daylight. He also worked hard at his play too, taking the family on remote Colorado camping trips, fishing and waterskiing adventures, and entertaining them as a witty poker dealer by candlelight when the electricity would go out. He immensely enjoyed his later role as "Gramps" to seven grandchildren who have fond memories of his funny jokes about moles, sage advice like how to "make a hand," and generosity and genuine care for each. With his kids and grandkids alike, much to the dismay of their mothers, he believed the best way to learn was by doing, and mistakes like crunched vehicles and tore up fences were just lessons in what not to do next time.

Jugging for catfish at Lake Texoma became Billy's passion in his later years, from creating his own "jugs" out of swimming pool noodles and hand-forged weights to frying the fillets in his signature batter. Billy served the Estelline community as a deacon of the First Baptist Church and as a school board member, but he will be most remembered for his devotion to being a loving, light-hearted, hard-working, and generous husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. His family will forever treasure memories of his deep wisdom, witty sayings, and playful spirit.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and wife Fran. He is survived by his wife, Debby of the home; his daughter Amber (and husband Warren) of Stillwater, Oklahoma; his son Ty (and wife Audrey) of Parnell; grandchildren Zach, Isaac, Avery, Jackie (and husband Jake), Wyatt, Anna, and Micah, sister-in-law Bettye, and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The service for Billy will be on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Estelline, at 2pm, with visitation in the fellowship hall to follow until 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family agrees that Billy would appreciate donations to the Hall County Volunteer Fire Departments (Turkey and Memphis), whose service to our family and the Parnell community has been greatly appreciated on many occasions.