William James Truman

ENTERPRISE - William James Truman of Enterprise, Utah passed from this life to the next on July 20, 2025 while under the superb care of the outstanding staff at Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah. "Billy Jim," as he was known to everyone, was born in Gunlock, Utah on April 29, 1929, to Jacob Thomas Truman and Emily Hall and was the 7th of 10 children. He was the last surviving child of Jacob and Emily. He is survived by three of his four children, David Dwight Truman (Cindy) of Enterprise; Maury Kay Putnam (Jon) of Bunkerville, Nevada; and Tracy James Truman (Lisha) of Las Vegas. His youngest (and favorite) son, Shawn Edwin Truman, preceded him in death (1988), as did his perfect wife, Reva Helene (Atkin) Truman (2012). He is also preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Emily, as well as his siblings, Reva (Emett), Leola (Terry), Preston, Irvin, Melvin, Glade, Howard, Pauline (Bowler), and Richard.

It would be far easier to describe what Billy Jim couldn't do or hadn't done than it would be to describe what he had done or could do. After High School, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed most of this time on the island of Okinawa as a munitions officer. He also played football for his company where he no doubt terrorized anyone smaller than his 5'9" stature. After his assignment in the Air Force, he came to Nellis Air Force base and served as a demolition and munitions consultant. He met Helene Atkin traveling through her hometown of St. George one night with a friend and his boyish good looks and charismatic charm immediately overwhelmed Helene. They married and lived in Enterprise, Utah for a few years, during which time David and Maury were born. The family moved to Henderson where their two sons Tracy and Shawn were born. Billy Jim became a police officer, serving in law enforcement during the race riots of the 1960's. He was a tireless worker and built houses with a partner, often working 2 or 3 jobs at a time. He later became a fireman and ultimately worked at the Nevada Test Site as a fireman during the above ground nuclear testing period. Later in life he would survive three types of cancer which were probably the result of his experience at the Test Site. In 1967 he moved his family back to his hometown of Enterprise in a house he built with his own hands.

After his employment with the Test Site, Billy Jim worked at the Iron Mine near Cedar City before being offered a position with the Hecla Silver Mining company in Escalante Valley. When the silver mine closed, Billy Jim remained as the sole employee taking care of the reclamation for the mine. His woodworking skills were renowned, and many residents of Enterprise have a bowl, a chair, a jewelry box or some other unique item he crafted in his woodshop. He loved to gather firewood, hunt deer, grow a big garden, collect coins, camping with his brothers, and make other people laugh. He loved the company of his children and grandchildren, but one of his favorite activities was giving anonymous gifts to the residents of Enterprise, particularly at Christmas time. Countless families and individuals benefitted from his incredible generosity. Most of the town knew him as "Grandpa Honey," a title he wore with pride.

Billy Jim and his wife Helene served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois in 2000-2001. He also served in many leadership capacities in the Church, but his favorite calling was serving in the library where he could socialize with the entire ward every Sunday. He had an unshakable testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Following his wife's passing in 2012, Billy Jim immersed himself in the scriptures, read countless books authored by Church leaders, and loved to read and re-read General Conference addresses and diaries of early pioneers.

The family expresses deepest thanks for all the food, treats, visits, love and prayers provided to Billy Jim and for us during this time. A special thanks to the angels of Southern Utah Veterans Home, the Stacy and Jeremy Hunt Family, Meagan and Jimmy Allen, and the many other angels in his life. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Enterprise LDS Stake Center, 80 South Center Street, Enterprise, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and prior to services, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Stake Center Saturday morning. Interment will follow at the Enterprise City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454

Friends and family are invited to sign Billy Jim's online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com

Enterprise 5th Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Truman Funeral 
Time: Jul 26, 2025 10:45 AM
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