Billie J Graves' Obituary
Billie J. Graves, 95, of Shamrock, TX passed on January 8, 2026 at 2:30 AM.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 2 PM at Calvary Christian Fellowship Church in Shamrock with Rev. Lloyd Stice and Tony Gonzales officiating. Burial will follow in Shamrock Cemetery.
Viewing will be held on Saturday, January 10th from 10 AM - 6 PM at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 4 - 6 PM.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Shamrock.
Billie was born on March 11, 1930 in Shamrock, TX. He was raised on Elm Creek and Wolf Creek southeast of Shamrock. He attended school at Aberdeen, TX and Samnorwood, TX. He quit school in the 10th grade to help on the family’s ranch. When he was 17, his older brother signed for him to join the Army. After bootcamp in 1948, he came home during leave to marry Oreta Lou Mayberry, the love of his life. They were married 71 years when she passed in 2019. During the U. S. occupation after World War II, his unit was instrumental in cleanup and rebuilding efforts in Hiroshima, Japan after the atomic bombings. His unit was preparing to ship to Korea when his Sergeant asked if there were any soldiers that felt they were not getting enough pay. Most of the men thought it must be a joke and thought they needed volunteers, but Bill and 10 other men stepped forward and immediately were told to get their bags, they were going home. He was discharged in 1950. Bill hated rice for the rest of his life.
After the service, he returned home to work on the Tindall and James Ranch, retiring in 1979. He moved his family to town and went to work for the school system, retiring after 10 years. He loved driving the school bus. He loved the kids and the kids loved him. He worked hard his whole life. He loved good horses, coyote hunting, old tractors, and his International pickup. He could work on anything and fix anything. He was a true American. He honored country, not understanding any form of disrespect for the United States flag or the country he loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Minnie Graves, one brother, and three sisters.
Survivors include his son, Ralph and wife Sharon Graves of Clarendon; daughter, Becky Reeves and husband Steve Shuler of Lakewood, CO; daughter, Ravena and husband Bill Fairchild of Mansfield, TX; 8 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Shamrock Fire Department or the Shamrock Meals on Wheels.
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