Billie Louise Walker, age 86, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on June 30, 2021. Billie was born on October 8, 1934, in Cherokee, Texas, to Burke Graves and Mina Florence Taylor, where she was raised in a loving, Christian home.
On October 23, 1954, she married the love of her life, Walter Leroy Walker. They lived for a time in Charleston, South Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida, while Leroy was in the Navy. Upon his discharge from the service, they made their home back on the family’s ranch in San Saba where they raised four children. Leroy passed away in 1980, and after that time, Billie purchased The Summerhouse, where she was the owner/operator from the early 1980’s until her retirement. She was known for creating unique arrangements that were a perfect complement to the recipient’s home, and at Christmas time, Billie excelled at decorating many homes in the community. After retiring, she continued assisting other florists in San Saba on an as-needed basis.
Billie enjoyed her retirement years by spending time with her children and traveling around the country with her daughter, Melinda. Billie loved road trips, especially traveling to Branson to hear some of her favorite artists sing. One of the highlights of one Branson trip was Mickey Gilley singing happy birthday to her on her 80th birthday.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Stanley, Roger, Melinda, and Billy Ray, all residents of San Saba; two granddaughters, Tiana Bales and M’lissa Watson; her great-grandchildren, M’Kennan, Kaleb, Jordan, Kourtney, and Kelcie; one great-greatgrandson, Weston; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins; and of course, favorite grand-dog, Bleu.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy, who has been waiting patiently on his dance partner for 41 years to join him in Heaven so they could continue their dance; her parents, Graves and Mina Burke; and her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Ray Long.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Never Surrender Cancer Foundation in San Saba. A visitation was held on Friday, July 2, 2021 at Blaylock Funeral Home of San Saba, Texas. A Graveside Service was held on Saturday, July 3, 2021 with Brother Sam Crosby officiating at Harris Cemetery in San Saba County.