Billie “Bill” Gene Austin

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Ringling - Funeral Services for Mr. Billie “Bill” Gene Austin, 89, of Granbury, TX are scheduled for 11:00 AM Thursday , July 13, 2023 at Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Ringling with Rev. Les Bussell officiating. Interment will follow at the Ringling Memorial Cemetery with military honors provided by Stephens County Honor Guard team.

Bill was born on July 4, 1934 in a small house 6 miles South of Ringling, Oklahoma, near Center Point, to Melvin Park Austin and Clara Helen (Allen) Austin. He passed peacefully from this earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at his home in Pecan Plantation, Granbury, TX.

Bill went to school at Union Hill, Grady and Waurika, then back to Union Hill and Grady. Bill graduated from Ringling High School with the Class of 1952.

At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the Navy with friends John Luke Neble, Ray Warthen, and a couple of guys from Marietta. He left for boot camp on June 18, 1952, during the Korean War. He served on active duty for 3 years and 12 days. After active service in the Aviation sector of the United States Navy, he also served in the reserves for 5 years and was honorably discharged on July 17, 1960.

In 1956, Bill married Glenda Mapp, and they were blessed with two wonderful, loving daughters, Gayla and Cynthia. He attended Murray State College in Tishomingo, OK, University of Texas, in Arlington, Texas, and later he was accepted and completed a graduate program Magna-Cum-Laude, in Hospital Administration at the University of Alabama and Birmingham, Alabama. Bill worked as a Hospital Administrator and was co-owner and managing partner at a private hospital in two large medical clinics. He was appointed president of SMMI/Methodist/Harris hospital system at Fort Worth and served as President of Texas Association of Hospital Accountants. Bill owned and operated Austin Insurance, Austin Real Estate (Broker), and Austin Medical Personnel.

In 1993, Bill married Wanda Coleman after they had been dating for 10 years. While coming out of retirement for the 2nd time, they moved to Lake Texoma, OK area, where he worked for INCA Housing in Tishomingo, OK, writing state and federal grants which included the still operating JAMA Transportation Grant. Bill and Wanda moved back to Ft. Worth writing federal grants for low-income housing.

Bill loved to play golf, attend the kids and grandkids ball games and other activities. He loved to play Texas Hold ‘Em, listen to country music and tell a few stories of the olden days.

Below is what Bill wrote himself to share with all his family and friends. He begins with one of his favorite stories as a sailor.

“John Luke and I were very country (and a little ignorant). After a long train ride to San Diego, CA, we asked where the restroom was. An old chief replied that the “Head” is over there. Not knowing the meaning of “Head”, we relieved ourselves behind some bushes.

Later, I spent about 18 months at Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington state for aviation training, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where we would go in and out on aircraft carriers. I flew in a TV-2 jet fighter plane in 1953, long before jets were popular.

I think the bad part about dying is that I won’t get to see my daughters or my great wife, Wanda, who is the best woman and partner that a man could have. I think the good part about dying is that I will get to my final resting place where I will meet my Lord and Savior and no longer have this pain and hurting. I will also enjoy seeing my family members, Momma, Daddy, and Bobby, along with many , many friends and relatives.”

Surviving Bill is his wife, Wanda of the home in Granbury, TX: daughter Gayla Hart and husband, Gary, of Ft. Worth, TX; daughter Cynthia Austin of Ringling, OK; grandchildren Chelsea Turner and husband, Kevin, of Aledo, TX, Colin Hart of Fort Worth, TX, Trent Moore of Austin, TX, Sydne Moore of Ft. Worth, TX; great-grandchildren Rowan, Sutton and Hartley Turner; extended family Rocky Grigg of Fort Worth, TX, and Donna Allbritten and husband, Steve, of Mabank, TX; niece Melva Austin of Cumberland Cove, OK; and many more cousins, all of whom he loved dearly.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Clara Helen Austin, brother Bobby Joe Austin, and nephew DeWayne Austin.

Casket Bearers will be Colin Hart, Trent Moore, Kevin Turner, Steve Allbritten, Lance Doty and Jake Gossett.

Honorary bearer is Ronnie Austin.

Family visitation will be held at Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 9:00 am prior to the service Thursday.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Pecan Plantation VFD/EMS, 9518 Monticello Dr. Granbury, TX 76049

Condolences may be sent online at www.alexandergrayfh.com