Billy Joe Purser

Bill “Red” is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents, Dorothy Newsom and Thomas Purser; his brother, Thomas Purser and his sister Betty Lewis. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Phyllis Walsh of Ballina, Ireland; his three sons, Tony Purser and his wife Julie of Dickinson, Ray Purser and his partner Douglas Hollowell of Houston, and Patrick Purser and his wife Xiao Hai of Shanghai, China; his seven grandchildren, Megan Purser, Erin Lyons and her husband Brendan, Ryan Purser, Caitlin McMath and her husband Carson, and William, John and Amber Purser.

Bill graduated from Sommerville High School where he played basketball, football, and baseball. He then went to Blinn College on a football scholarship. Bill joined the Army during the Korean War where he served, and was stationed in Burtonwood, England. It was there that he met his Irish bride, Margaret. They shared a love of dance, country music, Ireland, and mostly family. Bill and his family lived for the past 56 years in Houston. He was employed at American Plant Food, where he served as General Plant Manager. He enjoyed spending time on his ranch, “Circle Shamrock”, where he raised cattle and chickens with his friends David and Polly. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

The visitation will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2014 from 4 to 9pm, with a Rosary at 7pm at Crespo Funeral Home in Houston, TX. The funeral service will be Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 10am at St. Christopher’s Church in Houston, TX. The Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson, TX.