Bonham, Texas -- Due to inclement weather, the services for Billie Jean McCullough on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. have been moved to Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham, TX. Interment will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving, TX, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, February 19 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jimmy Latimer, Brian Markwood, Tristan Gabryach, Trenin Gabryach, Tyler Markwood, and Zachary Blanton.
Billie Jean McCullough was born January 23, 1929, in McLennan County, Texas to Marjorie McCullough. He passed from this life and into the presence of our Lord on February 13, 2025, in Paris, Texas holding his sweet wife’s hand and surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 75 years, Nell McCullough of Paris, Texas; his daughters, Shirley Markwood of Paris, Barbara Cantu of Victoria, and Mary Latimer and husband Jimmy of Blossom, Texas; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Peterson of Hunt, Texas; father, Frank McCullough of Longview; daughter, Wanda Escobedo of Blossom, Texas; and grandson, Robby Britton of The Colony,
Texas.
Bill entered into the United States Air Force at the age of 17 and served our country for several years. He was a proud veteran of WW2 and the Korean War.
Bill fell in love and married his sweetheart, Eva Nell Witt, on April 13, 1950. He and Nell raised 4 daughters in Irving, Texas, and the family grew from there with
sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bill was always active. He and Nell loved traveling, especially their motorcycle and camping trips with friends.
Bill worked at American Airlines as a mechanic and retired after 25 years. Bill also learned and loved to fly.
Leaving the city life in Irving, Bill and Nell moved to Telephone, Texas where his family would soon experience a place they affectionately call “The Farm.”
They lived at “The Farm” for 42 years, then moved to Paris, Texas. When Bill lived in Telephone, he often flew his small Cessna plane to work at Love Field Airport in
Dallas. He was lovingly known around the hangers at the airport as the “Watermelon Man” because he would haul a load of watermelons from a farmer in Telephone to sell.
Bill enjoyed raising horses and took pride in the quality of his horses and allowed local kids use his horses in local shows and rodeos.
Bill took great pride in volunteering for the Telephone Volunteer Fire Department and American Red Cross. He enjoyed being in his shop creating woodworks and trinkets. He also enjoyed working on stock cars for friends.
Bill loved to play golf. Even at the age of 96, he was still enjoying and playing golf most every Thursday morning.
Bill “Papa” showed affection by doing for others and occasionally picking on those closest to him.
His wife and family hold his memory near and dear.
Online condolences and registry can be made at www.coopersorrells.com
