It is with great sadness that the family of Billy Lon Carnes announces his death on Saturday, the 20th day of August 2011. Billy was 71 years old at the time of his death.
Billy was born in McCamey, Texas on October 13, 1939 to Herbert and Loraine Carnes. He married Margaret Ann Ragland in McCamey on September 2, 1961. The two were to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 2, 2011.
Billy and Margaret had two daughters, five grandchildren and one great grandson; all he greatly adored. His daughter Kimberly Ann Coe, married to Alan Coe resides in Amarillo, Texas. Daughter Cara Lynn Phelan, married to Judge Pat Phelan resides in Levelland, Texas. To the grandchildren, Billy was only known as âPoppy.â His pride and joy grandchildren are: Seth Alan Coe and wife Rebecca, Sara Ann Coe, Ryan Patrick Phelan, Katherine Nicole Phelan and Sydney Erin Phelan. He had one great grandson, Jayton Seth Coe. And last but not least, Billyâs constant companion for the last two years his dog Ziggy who accompanied him in the oilfield almost daily and somehow turned his hardened disposition to mush.
His parents, Herbert and Loraine Carnes, brother, Henry Carnes and sister Bobbie Ritchie, preceded Billy in death. Billy was a great husband, father, grandfather and a loyal friend to the end. He had an opinion about everything and never hesitated to speak his mind. The highlight of his day was meeting the men at the local cafes at the âRound Tableâ for coffee, practical jokes and to discuss the latest gossip.
Billy lived to work. He loved working in the oil field climbing his tanks no matter how bad his knees might hurt. His only hobby was making Hot Sauce for family and friends. He learned how each person liked the sauce, some hot enough to burn the taste buds off their tongues, while others liked it mild enough to eat by the spoonfuls. He never measured a single ingredient, but somehow it always came out perfectly.
Billy loved McCamey. He was a lifelong resident making it clear to his daughters that he was born in McCamey and he would die in McCamey even if he were the last one in town. He was blessed with life long friends all who have blessed us greatly at this difficult time.
Funeral Services for Billy will be on Tuesday, August 23rd at 2:00 pm at East Side Baptist Church in McCamey. His burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Cemetery in McCamey.
Billy had a special place in his heart for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests visiting http://www.mdanderson.org/gifts.