Billy Dawkins

Billy Joe Dawkins, 79, of Whitney, passed away Monday, June 18, 2012, at Central Texas Veterans Health Hospital in Temple. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 28, 2012, at Marshall and Marshall Chapel in Whitney, the Rev. Raymond E. Martin officiating.

Billy Joe was born August 3, 1932 in Kaufman County, Texas to the late William F. and Alma (Gresham) Dawkins. He attended Abbott schools in his younger years with Willie Nelson who was a life-long friend.

He served his country in the United States Marine Corps from February 1, 1951 to January 31, 1954, obtaining the rank of sergeant and received the good conduct medal. While stationed in Guam he was a boxer who won all of his fights and was middleweight champion boxer from 1952 to 1953. Billy Joe worked for Rheaco Inc. in Grand Prairie as an electroplater, retiring in 1993. He loved having a good time and spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies included solitaire, playing dominoes, and reading. Billy Joe was of the Baptist faith.


He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Stephen Warren Dawkins on March 7, 2012; one brother, Mack Dawkins; and 2 sisters, Faye Davis and Fannie Sue Thompson.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mary Charlene Dawkins; two sons, Billy Earl Dawkins and wife, Debbie, and Richard Alan Dawkins; one daughter, Kimberly Renee Dawkins; one sister, Mary Lou Davis; nine grandchildren, Ricky Dawkins, Thomas Stephen Dawkins, Michael Ross Dawkins, Lindsay Renee Dawkins, David Alan Dawkins, Brittani Lauren Flint, Amber Dawkins, Stevie Raye Dawkins, and Jessy James Plunkett; four great-grandchildren, niece Susie Foster; and nephews James Michael Davis, Randy L. Dawkins, Frank Upchurch, Thomas Upchurch, and Joe David Upchurch.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1700 Lake Success Drive, Waco, Texas 76710.

Memorial Service

Thursday June 28, 2012 , 11:00 AM at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors