William Billy L. Giles

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Friday, April 29, 2011, in Resthaven Funeral Home’s Abbey Chapel with Pastor Jeff McCreight officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7pm to 9pm at Resthaven Funeral Home. Please join us in celebrating Billy’s life by visiting his memorial at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.

Billy was born to Landis and Dorothy (Bowden) Giles on March 30, 1927, in Avalon, Texas. An Army veteran of World War II, Billy served in Allied-occupied Germany. After his military service ended, he eloped with Bobbie Jo Herrin on August 28, 1948, in Forreston, Texas.

Billy launched his 33-year career with the Texas Farm Bureau in 1956 as an adjuster in Haskell. In 1963, he was promoted and moved to Lubbock. He assumed the position of regional claims manager in 1977, and retired on January 1, 1990.

Whether tending to his garden, fishing off the coast of Florida, or bear hunting in Maine, Billy relished the outdoors. He loved bargain-hunting at estate sales and was a talented furniture refinisher. Researching the family genealogy with his sister, Jane Adkins, was a favorite pastime.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Bobbie, and his sister, Mary Watson.

Those left to cherish his memories include his sister, Jane Adkins of College Station; three sons: Jim and wife Gail of The Woodlands, Charles and wife Mary of Lubbock, and Doug and wife Mary Margaret of Aventura, Florida; a daughter, Paula and husband Joseph (Mell) Winger of Colorado Springs, Colorado; eight grandchildren: Jason Giles, Andrew Winger, Joseph Winger, Tanner Giles, Elizabeth Winger Ventura, Meghan Giles, Hannah Giles Basel, and Regis Giles; a step-grandson, Josh Jakubik; great grandson, Aidan Giles; and two step-great grandsons: Hunter Jakubik and Chase Jakubik.

The family suggests memorials be made where Billy happily spent his last months: Hamilton House, 3612 59th Street, Lubbock, Texas, 79413.