Billy Joe Henley, Sr.

Billy Joe Henley, Sr. passed away on January 8, 2022 peacefully with his family by his side at his home in Cresson, Texas.

Billy is preceded in death by his wife: Ava Henley; parents: R.D. Henley and Rosa Bynum; brother: Jerry Henley; son in law: Rick Sorenson.

Billy is survived by his brother Charles Everette Henley. Children: Jesse Henley and wife Ericka, Sandy Sorenson, Billy Henley, Jr., Virginia Neely and husband Randy, Shannon Antonucci and husband John.Grandchildren: Jesse Henley, Jr., Elysia Cunningham, Kim Garza, Richard Sorenson and wife Kristin, Terrance Neely and fiancé Grace Finley, Brittany Antonucci, Shandi Neely, and Tawny Goins. Great grandchildren: Payton Garza, Adrianna Antonucci, Logan White, Adalyn Hardie, Selah Antonucci, Ashlynn Flores, Ava Elevington, Kelly Henley, KenzieSorenson, Kallie Sorenson and Kyle Henley.

Born November 13, 1938 in Lufkin, Texas to R.D. Henley and Rosa Estelle Bynum, Bill was an electrical engineer by trade. He was instrumental in the development of the Boeing 737 and C-17 Cargo Airplanes. His love for airplanes led him to pursue his commercial pilot’s license. Bill loved to watch sports, especially his Dallas Cowboys and play golf. Bill had an amazing sense of humor, always wanting to make people laugh. Bill would crack a joke and make you laugh, even if it was at your own expense. He was also a kind-hearted individual. His home was always open to anyone, including strangers who were in need, as evidenced by him and his wife fostering over half a dozen individuals over the years. Billy always said, “Some people think that being wealthy is having money, but I believe having a loving family are signs of being rich.”  He was blessed to be called many names starting with Dad, Grandpa then “Great” for Great Grandpa, which was his greatest pleasure…and eventually took place of them all.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 10am until service time at Holly Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel.

Memorial Service will follow at 11am under the direction of Martin’s Funeral Home, Granbury, Texas.