William (Billy) Black

Billy was born on March 28, 1933. He died on January 1, 2016 at his home at the Spring Oaks Nursing Home. He lived in Lampasas his entire life. He was the only son of Dennis W. and Emily Bailey Black, who preceded him in death. Billy’s father, Denny, began working as a sweeper at the People’s National Bank of Lampasas while in high school. He worked there for 50 years and retired as a Vice President. After Emily’s death, Denny continued to care for Bill by himself until 1994 when they both moved to Spring Oaks. Billy was 82 when he died. He lived 72 years longer than the doctor’s estimate of his life expectancy at his birth. Both Denny and Emily were devoted to their son, especially Emily. She lovingly taught him through reading, doing puzzles and having him help with her extensive stamp collection. The sweetness she rained on Billy became a part of him and blessed everyone around him for his entire life. While his left side was compromised, his right side was robust and incredibly strong. A “Billy Hug” was an unbelievable experience. He hugged with all the love he had and it was almost frightening at times. We will all miss those hugs. No one else hugs like he did. We are unsure of the origin, but Billy called all of his cousins “rats” and they responded by calling him “Rat” too. There is no doubt he was the Head Rat. The first time Jeff visited Billy in the nursing home, Billy saw Jeff coming across the dining room and hollered “RAT!” as loud as he could. The other diners started lifting their feet and looking around, but they soon learned that it was a term of great affection. The Bailey/Oliver get-togethers were large, loud and always included incredible food, because Emily and her sisters and cousins were all such great cooks. Whether it was Christmas, Thanksgiving or Fourth of July on the lake, food was always abundant. Bill’s favorite was dessert and there was always a great selection of pies, cakes and cookies. When you asked him what he wanted for dessert, his request was always simple, “ALL” and once he had a huge plate with a sample of All, you could not get him to share even a bite with you. If you asked, he would just laugh his laugh and keep eating. Billy is survived by many first, second and third cousins. Bill was a favorite of the staff at Springs Oaks and the entire family is so grateful for the loving care and friendship they so graciously bestowed upon Bill. He will be especially missed by his dear friend Brenda. Bill’s large extended family and wonderful friends and neighbors will miss him. He was so special to all of our lives. We know he is running and jumping and playing in heaven. A memorial service for Billy will be held on Sunday, January 17, at 3:00 PM at the Springs Oaks Nursing Home.