Billy Wortham, 48, of Waco passed away Thursday, May 8th at a local hospital. Graveside services will be 11AM Monday, May 12th at Wortham Bend Cemetery in China Spring with Rev. Mark Griffin officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8PM Sunday at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, William N. Wortham, IV.; brothers, Ray and John Owin; and grandparents, William N. Wortham, III. and Blanche Wortham.
Survivors include mother, Marie Beckett; two sons, Johnny and Max; brother, Mark Owin; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Pallbearers will be Billy Benton, Billy Wright, Sammy Wilkins, Clint Willbanks, Lenny Wortham, and Mark Brickhouse.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Dear Billy,
I wish I could have told you goodby in person. I would have told you how growing up with you and the impact it made on me was significant. It makes me sad that I didn’t have that chance.
I would tell you that you were my first crush. I was very young, 14. Your black leather jacket, laugh and motorcycles always intriqued me. Mom and Dad always said "He’s too old for you". You were. You were 19. But, I learned that Mom and Dad knew what they were talking about. Now that I have a 14 year old girl myself.
You taught me that you can’t always have what you think you want in life. But… God has the days of our lives planned even before we are born.
If I had another day with you, I would tell you about how Jesus has changed my life, my desires and dreams. I would ask you the same. I would tell you how much I want all of my friends and family to experience the freedom I have found in Christ.
I remember when I told you on the phone one night that " I can’t date you" and you called me back and played the song "Free Bird" by Lynryd Skynrd. I believed that was our song. It is your song. Here is a link to your song. Copy and paste it into the address bar and watch in rememberance of Billy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mioGewkWVdo
Your remembered Billy and we will forever be different because of the impact you have had on your friends lives! Me being one of many!
God bless you and keep you,
Dee Ann Vaughan
Dear Dee Ann Vaughn , is this the same Billy Wortham that I rolled in His silver mach 1 mustang at 90 mph. 13 times ? Is this the same Billy Wortham that hitchhiked all the way to California and somehow found me ? I led him to the Lord in the early 80’s . He rode a yamaha 360 rd he was so proud of , he saw me flying through the air going over 70 mph. With just a pair of shorts and a t-shirt on ! He drove me to the hospital to waco because my yamaha 650 was totaled in the accident ! He said he heard me having a conversation with Jesus the whole 8 miles to the hospital ! If this sounds like Billy please let me know,thank you. Sincerely,Steven Arnold.
I’m from Waco, my dad was service manager at the motorcycle shop there. I met Billie in the mid 70’s. We were going to join the army together. I remember the Cobra, such a nice car. I remember him popping a wheelie going up the hill at Lake Waco, made me so mad. Such great memories of him. We’d hitchhike from Wortham Bend to the Sonic in Waco, maybe hang out at the roller rink looking at girls. Such a free spirit. Great times motocrossing and just being kids. He knew how to enjoy life and I miss him (and that silly laugh) Rest well Billy, I’ll see you again one day.
Can I get someone to call me I’ve often wondered about Billy’s life after he left California to go back to Waco.
Steven Arnold 254-400-3758
Thanks
Dee Ann you are so sweet. I remember talking to you on the phone. Billy thought the world of you.
I tried to contact you on messenger. Does anyone know how to get a hold of DeLonda?
That’s Billy’s son’s Mother. I would love to see her again. And I love little Johnny.
I hope and Pray his kids are doing well.
Billy, I will always remember the things that you helped me with when Jeffrey was young. Thank you so much for the help. I will miss you very much Billy
What to say Billy? I just learned yesterday of your passing. I am sorry I didn’t know. How odd the feeling. I was in Amarillo 12/04/09. And you would know what that place and time means. You were so on my mind, only to come home and learn you are gone. I have been abunduntly blessed. I hope you were close to your children and that life became better for you as well.
Thank you for our last phone conversation.
Blessings to your children.
Billy,
I know I was the younger cousin that bothered you more than anything. But you always took the time and showed me many things as I was growing up. We had our ups and downs but I will always love ya man and I will miss you and wish I could have spent more time with you lately
you will be missed!! your cuz
Lenny
Billy, I love you man. Whether you liked it or not, I always made you my best friend. I followed you around like a puppy dog. I can’t follow you where you are now, but I will be there with you and my Dad one day. Tell my Dad I love him. And I love you man. Always remember, everyone will always be together at the end. I love you.
Sammy
I remember the first time you asked my Dad if we could date. I remember our trip through several States and you making me get out of the car to walk across each State line. I remember the time I broke your nose and you bled all over my new shirt. And my favorite memory of all is when you would come and pick me up and say..come on and ride to the store with me and then you would hop on the freeway and head south straight to China Springs. I would get so mad at you sometimes for that. You would always laugh and ignore me and just keep going and you would say…I am taking you to see my Grandma and PaPa. They want to see you. I really was always happy to see them. I remember the song you wrote for me. I can still here you singing it in my head. And I think the craziest thing you ever said to me was…I don’t care if you have 10 black children Melody I will always Love you. When you didn’t come and find me after about 5 years I knew something was wrong. Because you always came back. I will always Love you. I can’t wait to see you again. I’m sorry I never gave us a chance, but I was afraid you would make me move to China Springs. Our Love still lives on. I really miss riding with you on the motorcycle. I just can’t get over you being gone.
Stephanie M
Billy I miss you every single day that goes by. Max is 21 now and you’d be proud of the man he is becoming. I only wish we could have known you longer. Such a short time and bond for forever. See you on that forever road.