William "Billy" Leon McMullen

William "Billy" Leon McMullen, Sr., age 81, of Victoria went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 30, 2013. He was born on April 2, 1932 in Driscol, Texas. Billy was the youngest of six children born to Robert Lee McMullen and Carrie Lee Newman McMullen. He would later be raised from a young age to adulthood by his step-mother, Margarita Garcia McMullen.

He is survived by his sons: Calvin (Lillian) McMullen of Victoria, Michael (Marianna) McMullen of San Antonio; William McMullen, Jr. (Jana) of Missouri City; daughters Sherri Bear of Victoria; Patricia (Dallas) Walters of San Antonio; step-daughter Kim Fikes of Bastrop; and step-son George (Lynn) Losey of Corpus Christi. He is also survived by a sister- Dorothy Elkins of Victoria; 23 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. All of whom he cherished and bragged on whenever he had the chance.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Gaye Brown McMullen, his parents and step-mother, two brothers, two sisters, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

Billy was employed as a truck driver and security guard through the years. He served as a volunteer firefighter and was a former member of Coleto Baptist Church, where he attended until his health would not allow.

He was a Korean War Veteran, as well as a caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He always made time for his family and friends. He had a love of music and loved to play guitar. He and his sons played together in a few Victoria establishments. He was an avid domino and poker player-usually walking away from the family dinner table with more pennies than anyone else.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Rosewood Funeral Chapel from 12– 2 pm and a funeral service will follow at 2 pm with the Rev. Thomas Hughey officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Wood Hi Cemetery under the direction of the Victoria Veterans Council.

Pallbearers will be George Rieck, III, Jason McMullen, James McMullen, Mark Asher, Timothy Higdon, and Jacob Sales.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.