Billy Tom Willis

Billy Tom Willis, age 68, of Ross, passed away early Thursday afternoon, October 11, 2007 at his residence. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Burial will follow at White Rock Cemetery near Ross. Mr. Willis was born on October 16, 1938 in West, the son of William Eugene "Tom" and Mary Ruth (Marshall) Willis. He attended West schools and was a 1957 graduate of West High School. On September 14, 1968, he was united in marriage to Delfa Janice Thiele in Aquilla. Billy and his wife are owners and operators of the Willis Country Store in Ross and have been in business for over twenty-six years. The little country store off of I-35 has been instrumental in hosting several fundraisers for people in need and parties for many of his customers and friends. In his younger years, he was a professional bull rider and rodeo clown who traveled all over the United States to perform. He had many friends and fans to cheer him on over the years and was proudly inducted in the Rodeo Hall of Fame in February of 2004. Billy loved to pull pranks and enjoyed joking around with his family and friends. He dearly loved his grandchildren Lainey "Puddin" and Langston. He was a member of the Ross Volunteer Fire Department where he served as chief for many years and was instrumental in the department's reorganization in the early 1980's. Billy also served on the Ross City Council for several years. Survivors include his beloved and devoted wife of 39 years, Delfa Willis of Ross; one son, Thomas Willis and wife Nancy of Elm Mott; two brothers, Dan Willis and wife Jan and Jerry Willis, all of Gholson; one sister, Marilyn Storm and husband Donald of Red Oak; a granddaughter, Lainey "Puddin" Willis; a grandson, Langston Willis; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame in memory of Billy Willis, P. O. Box 104, Walnut Springs, Texas 76690.