Billy Wayne King

Williamson County - Billy W. King, age 88, was called home to his Heavenly Father on August 5, 2023. He was surrounded by his family for several weeks before peacefully passing this life. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home Chapel in Rotan, Texas. The family will receive friends after the celebration.

Born March 12, 1935, in Lamesa, Texas, Bill was the youngest of seven children to the late Charley and Madge (Ayres) King. Billy moved with his family to Roby, Texas in 1945 when he was in fifth grade. He graduated from Roby High School in 1953 as the highest ranking male senior. Upon graduation, Bill began working for the Citizens State Bank in Roby. His impressive work ethic and business savvy provided opportunities to organize banking institutions in several Texas communities.

Billy met the love of his life, Mary Delphine South, in 1953. They were married on June 16, 1956 in Roby, and had three children, Randall Wayne, Richard James, and Robert Charles. Billy and Delphine were married for 61 years until Delphine passed on January 6, 2018. 

Bill was a faithful member of the Church of Christ wherever he resided, and led singing for several years in Roby, Texas. He graduated from the LSU School of Banking in 1964. In June 2023, Bill enjoyed watching his Tigers win the Men’s College World Series. Professionally, Bill directed the management and organization of banks in Roby, Stinnett, Sweetwater, and Woodson. In 1969, he was elected president of the Sweetwater Jaycees and coordinated the famed Rattlesnake Round-up. For the last twenty years of his career, Bill worked for the Small Business Administration in Lubbock. He loved spending time with his family, golfing with his boys, and watching his sons and grandchildren compete in many athletic and academic endeavors. His family and friends will miss him dearly.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Madge, his beloved wife, Mary Delphine, his first son, Randall Wayne, and his grandson, Justin Lynn King.

Survivors include two children; Richard James King (Emily) and Robert Charles King (Kimberly); Grandchildren; Shannon Neill Farnsworth (Tim), Christopher Randall King (Tracy), Whitney King Coons (Brad), Wade Houston King (Kara), Wyatt Heath King, Madison King Scott (Jordan), and Bailee King Hamilton (Liam); Great-grandchildren; Mallory Ashford Wilcox (Karl), Carter King, Kynlee King, Kyler King, Campbell King, Khloe King, Mason King, Matthew King, Malachi King, Mabry King, Clyde King, Callum Coons, Clara Coons, and Otis W. King; Great-great grandchildren; Hazel Wilcox and Henry Wilcox; one brother; C.F. King (Betty) of Tooele, Utah, and many nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Justin’s Place, an equine therapy program that serves children who have autism or down syndrome, at 3705 High Bridge Rd. Wilmore, Kentucky 40390. 

www.justinsplaceky.com