Honey Grove, Texas -- Billy John Gaither, 73, of Honey Grove, Texas, passed away on September 28, 2026, at Kindred Hospital in Arlington, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on July 20, 1953, in Bennington, Oklahoma, to RB Gaither and Cora Lee Gaither.
Hard work and family were a part of Billy’s life from an early age. Growing up in a family of eight, Billy and his family, along with a cousin, would travel by panel truck from the Texas-Oklahoma area to California, where they worked harvesting peaches, walnuts, and other crops. Along the way, his father worked in cotton gins to help make ends meet. These early experiences helped shape the strong work ethic and devotion to family that Billy carried throughout his life.
Billy began working at just 11 years old, washing dishes at Sherrer’s Restaurant in Durant. He later worked at a Good Luck Oil Company (GloCo) service station. After graduating from high school, Billy went straight to work for the City of Dallas at the age of 17. He remained with the City for 30 years.
On June 25, 1976, Billy married the love of his life, Dale Gwynn Edington, in Dallas, Texas. Together, Billy and Dale shared 50 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, love, and many cherished memories.
Billy had always dreamed of living in the country, with a pond and a horse of his own. He eventually fulfilled that dream and, for 13 years, made the drive to Dallas for work so he and his family could enjoy the country life he had long wanted. He continued making that commute until reaching retirement age.
Billy enjoyed watching westerns, college football, and NASCAR races, as well as listening to music and spending time fishing. He also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with his family. Country living suited Billy well, and he found happiness spending time outdoors and caring for the animals at his place.
Above all, Billy treasured his family. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, where he could spend time reminiscing and sharing stories with his brothers and cousins. His grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and he loved attending their activities and being a part of the special moments in their lives.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, RB and Cora Lee Gaither; his granny, Nora Elliott; and brothers, James RB Gaither and Doyle Gaither.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dale Gaither; daughters, Linda Rabe and husband Andy of Pecan Gap, and Amy Gaither of Honey Grove; grandchildren, Leilani Gaither, Kidder Bob Rabe, and Dally Rabe; brothers, Tommy Gaither and wife Molly, Danny Gaither and wife Julie; sister, Janie Bell; sister-in-law, Gail Bielefeldt and husband Greg; brother-in-law, Wilton Edington and wife Evelyn; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Honey Grove. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, also at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home. Following the funeral service, Billy will be laid to rest at Allens Point Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Andy Rabe, Kidder Rabe, Danny Gaither, Mitchell Gaither, Matthew Gaither, and Greg Bielefeldt. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Gaither and Wilton Edington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Allens Point Cemetery Association or to a charity of your choice in Billy’s memory.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.coopersorrells.com.
