Billy Wortham Power's Obituary
POWER, BILLY WORTHAM, 91, died at his home on Saturday, July 19, 2014 after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Maurine Wilson Power, and his parents Wortham Power and Frances Irene Thrasher Power. He is survived by his children Peggy Ann McCarty, Paul Wilson Power, and Dorothy Gail White; his grandchildren, Rebecca McCarty and Ashley White; and his daughter-in-law, Phyllis Bailey Power and her children and grandchildren have also lost a special part of their lives. Billy was born in Dallas, Texas on September 25, 1922. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1940 and attended Texas A & M University. Billy and Maurine married July 23, 1949. Billy was in the Army Air Corps during World War II spending most of the war in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After joining the Air Force Reserve, he was called to active duty when the Korean Conflict began and spent two years in Greenville, South Carolina. He spent two wars working on airplanes. It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it. Peggy was with Billy and Maurine in South Carolina. Upon returning to Garland, the family settled into the house Billy and Maurine had bought in 1950. Paul was born there shortly after they returned to Garland. Dorothy came along nine years later. Billy still lived in that house when he died. He always told his children that the only way he would leave that house would be when they carried him out feet first . . . got that right too. During his life, Billy was known as a man who never met a stranger. He loved to tell stories and had lots of stories to tell! He was also known by his pick-up truck! Billy bought a brand new Chevy truck in 1964, which he drove until only a few summers ago. That truck has taken the Power family on great camping and exploring adventures all over the United States and is a local icon. Everyone knows that truck! Billy enjoyed Boy Scouting as a boy, a young man and an adult. Many men at First Baptist Garland remember Billy’s work with Boy Scout Troop 61. In fact, Billy has devoted much of his time and energy to many of our church’s ministries since he and Maurine joined First Baptist in 1956, including Sylvia Vaughn’s first grade Sunday School class, Vacation Bible School… and, of course, the Friendship House. Billy would be the first to tell you that he gained a wealth of blessings through the giving of his time, particularly after the death of his beloved wife, Maurine. Billy’s children have been blessed to have such a wonderful Daddy. And while they grieve his passing, they rejoice that he is whole and strong again in heaven and reunited with Maurine. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, July 21, 2014 at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Garland with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.
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