Billy Stephens

BILLY MAC "BUD" STEPHENS

Tuscola - Billy Stephens, 99, passed away on October 28, 2024, in Abilene, Texas. Services will be held Friday at 2 P.M. at Elmwood Funeral Home, with visitation from 12-2 P.M. Military honors will follow at McBee Cemetery.

Born June 23, 1925, to Walter and Gladys Stephens in Buffalo Gap, Billy was one of eight children. He graduated from South Taylor High School (Jim Ned) and drove the school bus during his final years of school due to World War II.

At 19, Billy joined the U.S. Navy and served until the end of WWII. After returning to Tuscola, he met and married his beloved Charlene Landers, with whom he shared 54 happy years while raising four children. They moved to Seminole, Texas, where Billy worked for El Paso Natural Gas for 36 years, living in various locations, including Fullerton, Midkiff, and Station #2 Saltflat, Guadalupe, Puckett Fort Stockton, Lincon Station Corona and then back to Puckett before retiring, after retiring and moving to Tuscola.

A devoted grandfather, Billy enjoyed helping his grandkids earn money through yard work, providing the equipment and gas while allowing them to keep their earnings. He loved attending Jim Ned's local football and basketball games, always supporting his grandchildren in their sporting events.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Gladys; siblings Maxine,Cora Lee, Inez, James "Tuck", Glen"Red", Rudy"Whizzer", and Peggy Bob; his wife, Charlene; grandson Troy Abbe Jr.; daughter Linda Abbe; son-in-law Troy Abbe Sr.; and daughter-in-law Charlene Kay Stephens.

He is survived by two sons, Billy D. of Midland, TX, and Eddie (and wife Susie) of Abilene, TX; daughter Karen (and James Pruett) of Lawn, TX; eight grandchildren: Jamie, Crystal, Amber, Billy Walter, Angela, LeAndra, Bryan, and Cody; and 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews