William “Billy” James Lynn Jr., age 82, of Yantis, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born May 27, 1940, in Miller Grove, Texas, to William James and Retha Garrett Lynn.
One day his mother was taking Mrs. Pounds, a coworker and friend home from the Bonanza school, when Billy happened to spot the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He was around seven years old, and he told his mother that was the girl he was going to marry. On August 5, 1963, he did just that, when he married his wife of 59 years, Barbara Spinks.
Billy worked at L3 in Greenville for over 50 years. He was an outdoorsman; he loved walking through his pastures, taking care of his cattle, and sitting on his front porch watching the East Texas sunset. He was well known and had a high reputation among the coon hunting community. He competed in coon hunting competitions all over North America and was even featured in a few coon hunting magazines, namely The American Cooner (his favorite magazine) and Full Cry. Among this, one of his hobbies included breeding and training Walker Coonhounds, and he had a very sought-after bloodline. Above all, his greatest achievement was marrying Barbara and starting their family. His family was his pride and joy, and he loved when everyone was able to be together. Billy was a natural-born storyteller and loved sharing about his past with his grandchildren … even if it took hours, they loved every minute of it and would sit with their ears wide open hanging on to every word. His empty Coca-Cola bottle and favorite coffee mug sit beside his empty chair. While his family will never be able to fulfill his position, he lives on within them, in their hearts and minds.
He was preceded in death by his mother and daddy; stepdad, Ozroe Burks; and many other extended family members.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lynn of Yantis; son David Lynn, of Yantis; daughter Melanie Lynn Clem, and husband, Tim, of Miller Grove; grandsons James Oneas Lynn of Quitman, Daniel Ernest Lynn and wife Cortney of Sulphur Springs, Ty Kolt Holland of Miller Grove, Toby Lynn Holland of Miller Grove, Colby Dillon Clem and wife Brittany of Sulphur Springs, and Trenton Lane Clem of Alford; two great-grandchildren, Blaire Elizabeth Lynn and Easton Edward Holland; and his cousin, who was more like a brother to him, Mac Garrett, of Miller Grove.
A funeral service for Billy Lynn, age 82, of Yantis, Texas, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home with Mark Garrett officiating. Interment will follow at Clifton Cemetery with Jim Lynn, Dan Lynn, Ty Holland, Toby Holland, Tim Clem, and David Lynn serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Mr. Lynn passed away on October 9, 2022, at Christus Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs.
Arrangements under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
The online register can be signed at www.murrayorwosky.com
