Billy Edward Barnard, of Vidor, passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, December 18, 2020. Born March 8, 1936 in Beaumont, Texas to Julius Marrion Barnard and Willa Mae Gillchrist Barnard, Billy was the last surviving child of three. A proud Army Veteran, Billy served as a Sargent and trained others on artillery while in the service. In fact, while home in Vidor on leave while still stationed in Hawaii with the Army, Billy met his beautiful wife Jo Nan Downs Barnard; the two knew quickly that this was the match made for a lifetime and Jo Nan and Billy soon married and returned to Hawaii until Billy’s service was done and they could return to his life-long home of Vidor, Texas. Billy and Jo Nan shared over 65 years of marriage and had three children, as well as four beloved grandchildren to love on and spoil. After Billy’s time in service to our great nation, he would go on to work for Lamb’s Office Product / Corporate Express for 44 years until his retirement. A mason with the Bridge City Lodge and owner of his own company, Bill’s Towing, Billy was an accomplished and hard-working man. When ever he had spare time, he loved to spend it working on cars; in fact, Billy even owned a Camaro shop at one time and worked on cars as a teen rebuilding them for racing. Billy shared his big heart with everyone but held his family in particular regard; loving to spend time with his grandchildren who lovingly called him “Bull” and enjoying time spent with his whole family together whenever it could happen. Billy will be deeply missed by his wife, family, and all who knew him.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Julius Marrion Barnard and Willa Gillchrist Barnard; and his siblings, J.M. Barnard and Lynn Smith.
Billy is survived by his wife of more than 65 years, Jo Nan Downs Barnard of Beaumont; his children, Dennis Edward Barnard and wife Terry of Beaumont, Jeffery Kyle Barnard of Beaumont, and Kellie Dane Hampton and husband Greg of Spring; his grandchildren, Kristian Barnard and wife Crystal, Kody Barnard, Courtney Hampton, and Chase Hampton; as well as numerous colleagues and friends over the years.
A Visitation Service for Billy Barnard is scheduled for Saturday, December 26, 2020 beginning at 10:00AM at Westgate Memorial Baptist Church, 6220 Westgate Dr, Beaumont, TX 77706, with Funeral Services to follow at 11:00AM. Internment will be on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 1:00pm at Bethany Cemetery in Marthaville, LA.
In consideration of the health and safety of the family, all social distancing practices and facial covering recommendations will be observed and enforced for all services. Thank you for your understanding.
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