Billy Ray Fulenwider, born 3-14-36 passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on 1-30-22.

 

Billy was born in Celeste, Texas to Grady Clarence Fulenwider and Thelma (Mathews) Fulenwider.  He  moved to Dallas, Texas and attended Adamson High School where he was a proud member of the ROTC and played center field for the Leopards baseball team winning all city all state honors.  He was a lifelong lover of baseball and was a pitcher of fast pitch softball for his church.  Billy attended the University of North Texas and had a long career in accounting and retired as a controller.  He was also a member of the Elk's Lodge in Mesquite, Texas where his favorite charitable cause was giving bicycles to underprivileged children at Christmas.  Seeing their smiles brought him so much happiness.

 

Billy was a longtime member of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Mesquite, Texas and later, after moving to DeSoto, Texas he became a member of Windsor Park Baptist Church where he was a deacon.

 

Billy loved his family and was known for his mischievous nature, ability to make friends with anyone, his keen sense of humor and his ability to make others laugh as well as his beautiful blue eyes and thick wavy hair.  He will be deeply missed.

 

Billy was preceded in death by his parents Grady and Thelma Fulenwider and  brother Charles Fulenwider.  He is survived by his four children, son Keith Fulenwider and wife Teddi of Mesquite, Texas,  daughter Catherine Eldredge and husband Tracy of Lavon, Texas, son Brian Fulenwider and wife Bobbie of Wylie, Texas, daughter Lori Frederick and husband Chris of DeSoto, Texas,  eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren with one on the way as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. 

 

There will be a Celebration of Life for Billy at a later date to be determined.  In lieu of flowers,  donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.