Billie Ray Huddleston, age 92, of Celina, Texas, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022. He was born in Celina on August 23, 1929, to Edith (Howell) and Raymond Huddleston. Billie married the love of his life, Jane Merritt, in Celina on July 15, 1955. They enjoyed 66 years together and were blessed with four children. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Billie proudly served his country in the United States Army. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from North Texas State College (now UNT.) He taught math at Alla and Celina High School for ten years until deciding to farm full time. He farmed for over 65 years, first with his father, then his son.  After “retiring” he continued to help his son and grandson as needed for as long as he was able.

Because of his love for the land and agriculture, he served on the Celina Cooperative Gin Board for 37 years. He was also a longtime director of Collin County Farm Bureau and served as director of Texas Farm Bureau for six years, two of those as vice president. He was awarded the Texas Farm Bureau District IV Pioneer Award in 2004.

During the time his children were in the Celina schools he served 13 years as a trustee of the Celina Independent School District. He was also a member of the Quarterback Club for many years, serving as captain in 1973.

His civic involvement includes serving on the Celina City Council for two terms during which time the first comprehensive plan was formed.  Seeing the need for a public park, he was instrumental in securing the land and negotiating the purchase of 40+ acres.  Old Celina Park was built on the land and dedicated in 2006. In 2002, along with his wife Jane, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chamber of Commerce “in recognition of their continuous service and support.”

He has been a member of First Baptist Church in Celina since 1951 and served as a deacon for 64 years. He continued to serve as a greeter, sitting on his walker, until Covid restrictions stopped in person services.  

Billie is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Huddleston; his children, Charles Ray Huddleston and his wife Sherry, Janet Calvert and her husband Randy, Laurie Brooks and her husband Russell, and Mike Huddleston and his wife Ingrid; his grandchildren, Seth Huddleston, Joel Huddleston (Lacie), Kim Davis (Chase), Katie Most (Bobby), Jarratt Calvert (Rebecca), Kaylie Ford (J.R.), Hunter Huddleston, Jett Huddleston, Jessica Post (Cameron), and Jacob Brooks; his great-grandchildren, Knox and Owen Davis, Annabelle, Clara Cate, Hayes, and Everett Ford, Mason, Merritt, and Miles Most, Cooper and Lola Calvert, and William Huddleston; as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Billie was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Edith Huddleston.

A memorial service will be held at First Celina Baptist Church, 841 N. Preston Road, Celina, Texas, on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior.