Billy Blakley

Billy R. Blakley passed away on August 24, 2024. A graveside service will be held at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10:00am, with Dr. Barry O'Neal officiating under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Haskell, Texas.

Bill was born January 30, 1930 to CR and Ottie Blakley at the family farm in Post Oak, Texas.

He graduated from Fairfield High School in May of 1947. He ran his family farm from 1947-1950. When the war broke out in Korea, he and two former teammates joined the U.S. Navy. They were the first ones in their town to enter the war.

After completing boot camp, Bill was assigned to VR5, an air transport squadron based at Moffett Field, California. He spent two years there serving as a flight orderly. At the end of this time, he was transferred to VR21 at Barbers Point, Hawaii. While there, his duties were the same as Moffett. He was discharged in May of 1954.

He entered Sam Houston State University in September 1954. He graduated from there in June 1957 with a BS degree in mathematics and chemistry. He returned several years later and obtained his masters degree.

In October 1957, he was hired as a math teacher by Haskell ISD. During his time there, he taught high school math, was an assistant football coach, golf coach, high school principal, and elementary principal. He retired from Haskell ISD in May 1996 after completing 39 years with the district.

Bill married Patsy Robertson on May 30, 1962. Together they had one child, Melinda Busby. They spent 62 years together in Haskell, Texas.

Bill was an avid golfer and reader.  He was a quiet and private person who was content to be alone with his books and dog, Dexter. He was a member of the First Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister Peggy Jo and his favorite dog, Dexter.

He is survived by his wife Patsy and daughter Melinda and husband, Bobby Busby of Cisco. Grandchildren, Megan Gordon and husband George of Killeen, Caleb Busby and wife Albany of Cisco, A.B. Busby and wife Wendi of Cisco, Mackenzie Needham, Hunter Busby, Amerie Busby, Johnny Busby, Lily Busby of Cisco. He was blessed with 12 great grandchildren. Sister Jeannie Robinson of Fairfield and brother Donald Blakley of Memphis, TN and a host of nieces, nephews, and family and friends.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.