Billy Dewayne White

1932 - 2014

ODESSA Billy Dewayne White, 81, of Odessa, went to be with his Heavenly Father on September 17, 2014, at Medical Center Hospital after a courageous battle with health issues. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death.
Bill was born on October 20, 1932, in Pecan Grove Community in Oklahoma to Clarence and Bessie White. The oldest child of five, he learned the value of hard work at an early age growing up on the family farm. Many times he drove the tractor with his baby brother Jonny on his lap. He rode his horse, Feisty, to school along with his brothers. He graduated Yeager High School, where he proudly played on the basketball team that went to state.
Bill started work in the oilfield after high school, becoming a driller by the age of 21. He also served in the U.S. Army for 2 years. He came to Odessa in 1956 as a sales representative with an Oklahoma Drilling Equipment and Manufacturing Company. He worked for Unit Rig Corporation and The Brewster Company for 20 years. In 1972, he founded the BDW Company, Inc. He later formed WWL Industries, Inc. and served as president until the time of his death. He was co-owner of L&W Diesel Service, Inc.
Bill married his love, Joy Hanlon, November 23, 1979, at Antioch Christian Church in Odessa, TX. They would have been married 35 years this November.
Bill was on the Board of Directors of First National Bank. He was on the Odessa Country Club Board from 1982-1985 and past President of the Odessa Country Club from 1984-1985. Bill was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge of Holdenville, Oklahoma, and also a member of the El Maida Shriners.
In the 1970's and 1980's Bill loved playing golf, where he made many friendships that he cherished. He and Joy also enjoyed playing golf together and traveled to many couples tournaments throughout those years.
The true passion of his life was his grandchildren. Being a Papa was his biggest joy and any time he could be with any of his grandkids he was the happiest of all. He truly devoted his heart to them. The only thing equal to them was his great-grandchildren.
In 1994, Bill bought land and built Six-Gee Ranch. He named it after his six grandkids. He became involved in the cutting horse business and participated in many events himself. He loved going to the cuttings and loved all his cutting horses. He was a member of the National Cutting Horse Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bessie White; brother, Bobby White; sister, Donna Hardin; and his beloved dog, Lady.
He is survived by his loving family: wife, Joy; daughter, Susan and Gary Leathers; daughter, Marcy and Chas Weatherby; step-daughter, Rhonda and Rick Allard, all of Odessa; step-son, Rick Ross of Emmettsburg, Iowa; brother, Jonny and Sharon White of Marrero, LA; brother, Sammy and Cynthia White of Ft. Worth, TX; grandchildren, Drew and Lauren Allen, Casey and Johnny Guerrero, Jessica Leathers, Kyle and Stephanie Weatherby, Brandon and NoeMi Allard, and Vince and Whitney Allard; great-grandchildren, Aydan, Emilee and Ella Allen, Lanie and Jett Guerrero, Braeden and Ryden Allard and Paisley Allard; sisters-in-law, Danna Hiner (Denny) and Dee Krueger (Kurt); brother-in-law, Jim Pollard (Peg); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers: Grandsons, Drew Allen, Kyle Weatherby, Brandon Allard, Vince Allard and Johnny Guerrero.
There will be a family visitation at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, September 19th, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
A celebration of his life will be at 3:00 pm at First United Methodist Church at 4th & Lee Street Saturday, September 20, 2014, with Donnie Williams officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First United Methodist Church of Odessa, The Bridge in Odessa, or any charity of your choice. Or if it was up to Papa, he would say to your grandchildren!
Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.