Billie Jo McCauley

Bedford - Billie Jo McCauley, 88, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on March 20, 2025. Born in Holden, West Virginia, Billie was the daughter of Joseph Nolen and Ruby Gallion Nolen, where she grew up surrounded by the Gallions, her mother's family.

Billie’s life was characterized as one of movement. Each year brought a new home, a new school, and a new chapter. Billie met her husband, Herbert (“Herb”), while living in Ohio during her 11th grade year. The two married in 1954, shortly after Billie graduated high school. Their journey took them to Minerva, Ohio, where Herb enlisted in the Navy.

Life continued to unfold across many states, from Norfolk, Virginia, where Billie worked for the Social Security Department, to Michigan, where they purchased their first home. With every move, Billie and Herb were pillars of the community, making lasting friendships that they maintained throughout their lives.

The McCauley family grew in 1960, when her only child Cindy was born. In 1968, the family moved to Buffalo Grove, Illinois where Billie worked at a car dealership then at a preschool. In 1973, the family moved to Arlington, Texas, where Herb retired from the Navy. Billie was an active volunteer with the Arlington Woman’s Club and Baulando, where she held several leadership positions. She worked for American Airlines for ten years before retiring.

Billie took great pride in being a stay-at-home mom while Cindy was growing up. Billie and Herb spent many hours at Arlington High School football games to watch Cindy play in the band. Billie’s love for her family extended to Cindy's dear friends, whom she embraced as her own. Billie was a constant presence at school events and family gatherings, often making meals and throwing parties for the group of kids she adored.

Billie and Herb shared a love of adventure; many of their fondest memories came from exploring Europe, Canada and Mexico. Billie enjoyed visiting new places, meeting new people, and continuing to foster close friendships they made throughout the years.

Billie’s greatest joy was her grandchildren, and she was a constant presence in their lives. Whether it was attending every baseball, basketball, soccer, or football game, birthday party, performance, or graduation, she was there to cheer on Brian, Brad and Blake. She adored spending time with her grandkids and their friends. As her family grew, she cherished the wonderful women her grandsons married. Her heart swelled with joy as her great-grandchildren were born, each with their own unique personality.

Billie was more than just a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a friend to everyone she met. From her “Steak Fry” group friends, her golf and ballroom dancing buddies, to her beloved neighbors, Billie was known for her ability to make lasting connections. Billie had a fondness for the simple pleasures in life, enjoying lattes, ice cream, and Chardonnay. Billie was a force of nature, and she will be remembered as someone who brought joy, warmth, and love wherever she went.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Herb McCauley, her parents, Joe and Ruby Nolen, brother, Don Nolen and sister-in-law, Pat Nolen. Billie is survived by daughter, Cindy McCauley Knotts of Bedford; grandchildren, Brian and Amber Knotts of Johnstown, CO, Brad and Taylor Knotts of Houston, and Blake and Lauren Knotts of Euless; and her great-grandchildren: Trevor, Grayson, Natalie, and the two more on the way. She was loved by so many, and her impact will continue to be felt by all who knew her.

Special thanks to the incredible doctors and nurses who cared for Billie in her final years, and to her dear friends Jo and Pat, who provided much-needed support.

Visitation will be Monday, March 31, 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 N. Davis Dr., Arlington. Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 1, at 10:00 AM at Moore Funeral Home Chapel followed by Interment at 2:00 PM at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Rest in peace, Billie. You made this world a better place simply by being in it.