Billye Ruth Early
September 13, 1926 ~ January 6, 2019
Billye Ruth Early, 92, of Longview, Texas (formerly of Linden, Texas) passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019. Mrs. Early was born in Linden, Texas on September 13, 1926 to Ralph W. Ford and Bennie Patman Ford. Billye graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree. She and her mom, Benny Ford, owned and operated Benny’s Dress Shop. She was a very active member in the community, a member of Linden United Methodist Church, Linden Ladies Hospital Auxiliary, Linden Chamber of Commerce, Linden Volunteer Ambulance Service, a Den Mother for the Avinger Cub Scouts, was an avid volunteer and supported many other civic organizations.
She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Howard “Boots” Early; brother, Joe Ralph Ford and wife Lou of Georgia; three sons, Joe Patman Early and wife Donna of Linden, TX., John Frank Early and wife Cindy of Avinger, TX., and James “Jim” Howard Early and wife Amanda of Asheville, NC; seven grandchildren, Shane Early and wife Kim of Gary, TX., Shawna Roppolo and husband Bryan of Shreveport, LA., Shelly McIntyre and husband Nathan of Avinger, TX., Matt Early of Dallas, TX., Jason Early and wife Ashley of Benton, LA., Hillary Early of Tahlequah, OK and Hannah Early of Asheville, NC; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; numerous nieces and nephews and best friends, Judy and Art Wiley & family of Denton, TX.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Benny Ford.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Arabella of Longview and the caregivers for their love and attention during this time.
Services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Linden United Methodist Church with Pastor Dick White and Pastor Michael Bedevian officiating. Burial to follow in the Linden Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden.
There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Linden Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 863, Linden, TX. 75563.
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So sorry for your loss! Billye was such a precious lady! I loved her dearly and smile just thinking about her. My life is better for knowing her. She was a very special lady!!
So sorry for your loss! Billye was such a precious lady! I loved her dearly and smile just thinking about her. My life is better for knowing her. She was a very special lady!!
PAULETTE AND I ARE SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF SUCH A SWEET LADY. MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT AS ONLY HE CAN IN TIMES LIKE THIS.
PRAYING FOR YALL LOVE
So sorry for your loss! Billye was such a precious lady! I loved her dearly and smile just thinking about her. My life is better for knowing her. She was a very special lady!!
So sorry to hear this she was our neighbor for several years prayers Donna
So sorry for your loss . You only have one mother and when God our Father decided to take her home even though you knew it’s what she wanted and that she was ready to go the hurt and loss you feel is still unbelably and unspeakably difficult. You conducted yourselves with grace dignity and humility during this difficult time and I know your Momma is so proud of you ! The Maloney family sends their prayers for that peace that passes all understanding to comfort you . Her legacy lives on through you all ! Special prayers for your Daddy and praying for your wisdom in helping him get through his loss. God bless ! Rhonda Maloney Allums.
Oh my I am so sorry ! Billye was my neighbor for a few years back in the fifties. I truly loved that woman, she was the one who told me I was in labor with my first born – I didn’t know, myself. We shared many coffees. God bless her family, God gained a jewel !
With Deepest Sympathy to all the Family!
Thinking of you at this sorrowful time and offering heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Karen Giddings
Mrs. Billye was a great angel here on earth. She was always so giving and loving to all of us in the church. I know God has a master plan for her in heaven. I pray for your comfort and peace during this time of loss.
So sorry for your loss..
We love you Nannie ..
RIP sweet friend.We celebrated our birthdays for yrs.Always kind and caring friend love and prayers for all ??
So many memories i have with my other mother. From the Lake of the Pines, to Benny’s Dress Shop, to the RV traveling, to the Early/Wiley reunions. We will miss you Ms Billye sooo much. Our arms are around the family during this loss. Love to you all.
Large part of our early years with their Hardware store in Avinger before they moved to Linden. Great lady and family!!!
Ms Billye was a wonderful women. We enjoyed being her neighbor. Much love and prayers to Mr Boots and the rest of the family during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy.
My prayers to the Early Family in the loss of a beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Special prayers for my friend John, I know how hard it is to lose one’s mother, hoping God wraps you in his arms to comfort you.
There aren’t words to describe how I feel about Ms. Billye Ruth. She had away about her…You always new where you stood with her. Such a special part of my life! So many great memories. Praying for Mr. Boots and the family.
God bless the family. Haven’t seen mrs benny since I left , but I remember her so much when I was a kid
I am sorry to learn of Billie’s passing; my prayers are with the family during this time. May God bless and give you peace.
Deepest condolences for you, John, and your family.
Thinking of our wonderful neighborhood full of laughter and friends… ??
John , very sorry for your loss. We remember your mother well.
We are so sorry to hear of Mrs. Early’s passing. It has been such a joy to have benefited from their friendship since their moving to Longview She and Mr. Early have meant so much to our church and Sunday school class. We will truly miss her presence.
Deepest sympathy at the loss of your love one.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of this beautiful lady.
Dear Uncle Boots, Joe Pat, John, Jim & the entire Early Family: What special memories we have of Aunt Billye. She always made us feel so welcome when we came to town. She always had a ready smile & laugh. May God bring comfort to each one of you. We love you all!