Billie Myrick

Billie Earl Bill Myrick, aka Paw Paw, was 84 years young when he was called home by our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Saturday March 12, 2011, after a long illness.

Born as one of ten children on August 6, 1926 in Mendenhall, Mississippi to James Martin Myrick and wife Allie Artemissy Parker Myrick, he married his loving wife of 63 years, LaVerne Slaughter on October 18, 1947 in Oak Grove, Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, one daughter Bellinda Myrick Barnett and husband Tom of Leander, Texas two sons: Martin Myrick of San Diego, Ca. Billy R. Myrick and wife Carol of Wylie, Texas seven Grandchildren: Morgan Myrick of Abilene, Chase Myrick and wife Cristina of Rowlett, Mackenzie Ross and husband Ryan of Wylie, Tom Barnett of Leander, Beau Barnett of San Antonio, Will Myrick and Max Myrick, both of Los Angeles, Ca. as well as two Great Grandchildren Jackson Ross of Wylie and London Ross, coming to Wylie in July, 2011. He is also survived by one brother, J.C. Myrick and wife Francis of Conroe, Tx. along with a number of nieces and nephews living across the country in Nevada, Texas, Louisiana and Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters.

Dad lived an awesome life. He served as a Combat Field Medic with the U. S. Armys 25th Infantry in WWII and was most recently awarded The Bronze Star for his service by U.S. Representative Mike Conaway, in a ceremony held at First Baptist Church in Odessa on February 20, 2011. He also enjoyed a life long music career and had the opportunity of playing with the likes of Bill Monroe, The Grand Ole Opry, The Louisiana Hayride, The Mayfield Brothers and others. Dad also had the distinction of introducing great performers like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings for their first appearances in Texas.

Paw Paw was one of the Bluegrass legends in West Texas. For more than twenty years, he DJd a bluegrass radio show locally on KOCV radio at Odessa College and served as Emcee for the annual Bluegrass festival at Florey Park in Andrews County. He has also served as Emcee for many other bluegrass festivals and shows throughout West Texas, Eastern New Mexico and Southwest Oklahoma through those same years. His exploits in the bluegrass arena have also been detailed in many books.

In addition to his military service, Dad also served in the 1950s with the Odessa Police Department, Ector County Sheriffs Office and as an Ector County Constable. During that time, he was also dubbed with the title of The Singing Policeman and The Platter Spinning Cop for his continuing work as a country singer and DJ around Odessa Midland. Following that, he went to work in the trucking industry and subsequently retired in 1992 as Transport Manager for Air Liquide, formerly known as Big Three Industries with thirty years of service.

Visitation with the family will be from 68 PM Friday, March 18, 2011 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for 5:00 PM Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Byron McWilliams officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Dad was a great man, husband, father and grandfather. He has many, many friends and will be sorely missed by all who have known and loved him. We love you Dad and we will see you again in Heaven.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Friday, March 18, 2011
68 PM

Service

Memorial Service

Sunset Memorial Chapel
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Saturday, March 19, 2011
5:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762