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Self, Billy Joe

October 22, 1925 –
 May 12, 2014

Obituary

Billy Joe Self, Dallas native, born January 23, 1930, peacefully departed from this world on May 11, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty King Self, daughter Libby St.John and husband Steve St.John, son John Self, son Greg Self and partnerBrian Dubow, grandson Taylor St.John and wife Silvia St.John, and grandson Travis Zinsmeyer. Billy leaves behind 2 siblings Daisy Thomasand Grady Self. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

Billy truly had a heart for The Lord. He was patient and kind to all he encountered. He was a man of great strength and wisdom and will surely be missed.
He graduated from Adamson High School in 1948 and went on to graduate from East Texas State University in Commerce where he attended on a football scholarship. Billy played tight-end for the undefeated 1952 season team that went on to win the Tangerine Bowl. He served his country as a pilot in the USAF during the Korean War. Billy joined Braniff Airways in 1956 and had a 33 year career. He served as ALPA Chairman, BISE President and 747 Director Of Flight Ops. He continued his career with Southwest Airlines where he retired as Flight Operations Specialist.
Billy and Betty have been active members at First United Methodist Church of Richardson since 1991 and are members of The Apostles Class. Billy enjoyed teaching and was an avid student of The Bible. He served with Betty in many areas and especially loved his time spent with the Garden Ministry.

In his final days, Billy continued to be a witness and example of the grace of Jesus Christ to all he encountered.
Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church Richardson on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church Richardson.

Arrangements are under the direction of
ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home
19310 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75252
214-306-6700

    Leroy Carroll
    13 May 2014
    9:39am

    Billy was a coworker and friend at Braniff and at Southwest. He was a honest upright man whose word was trusted. The world will be a darker place without him. Rest well Billy

    Steve Humphrey
    13 May 2014
    10:04am

    I had the pleasure of sharing a cockpit with Billy on many occasions.
    Billy was a fine gentleman and an aviator’s aviator.
    My thoughts a prayers are with you.
    My He comfort and keep you.
    Steve

    Scott Sackett
    13 May 2014
    11:12am

    Dear Betty,
    Please accept my sincerest regards. Billy was a very good friend while I was at Braniff and a great teacher. He made my transition to the right seat a joy. I enjoyed meeting and knowing you both during that time. My best to you!

    Herschel Beard
    13 May 2014
    2:32pm

    My Sympathy, Condolences & Prayers to you, your family and friends with the passing of Billy. The world is a lesser place without him here.

    Sandy Pool
    13 May 2014
    3:07pm

    As I retired employee of SWA Billy was very much respected. God bless and now spread your wings in heaven. My condolence to the family.
    Love from a SWA employee
    Sandy Pool

    Louise Shields Russell
    14 May 2014
    1:37am

    Our prayers for Betty and family

    Natalie and Richard Hill
    14 May 2014
    10:25am

    Dear Betty and Family It is with sincere sympathy that we read about Billy’s passing. You were always such good friends when you attended the Argyle Church with us. It was a joy to see you every Sunday. Dick enjoyed being in class with Billy. Sincerely, Dick, Natalie, Laura and Rick Hill

    Bruce and Marlene Mittendorf
    14 May 2014
    12:01pm

    Betty, our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
    As a co-worker, a friend, and a neighbor Billy was always there with a helping hand. We admired him greatly and thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent together.
    Billy, may God be with you as you fly west for that final flight.

    Jan Casner
    16 May 2014
    2:19pm

    Billy was our hero in the Garden Ministry. So many people have received fresh, wholesome food at the Network over the past several years thanks to Billy’s hard work. No task was too difficult. He was there to build our vegetable gardens in the beginning. Then pouring the greenhouse foundation, digging the trenches (by hand) for the utilities, giving us a sink, and many shelves is only the tip of the iceberg of what he did…not to mention all the work he did all over the 22 acre campus. He was a one man army. We all loved Billy and know he is smiling over the gardens now. Just wish we could give him some more onions. He loved them. He was an inspiration and we will try to carry on his mission.

    Sarah Ruth Wilkinson
    17 May 2014
    10:35am

    Just received an eman email from Dorothy Lou via Jim and was so sad to hear about Billy. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. This is so hard. I remember Billy mostly from Mother and Uncle John. I know that when you all came to Mississippi, Billy always completed some project Uncle John that would make his life better and easier. Uncle John always spoke so highly of him. Love

    William J. "Bill" & Vivian Page
    19 May 2014
    4:33pm

    What can be said about Capt. Billy Self?
    He was one of those unusual people.
    He was honest, patient and very well respected.
    I have often thought of our time at Braniff and Billy Self always stands out.
    Betty our prayers for comfort and peace are with you.

    Donna Lyons
    29 May 2014
    12:40am

    Betty,

    Sending you my prayers and hugs. I wish I could have spent more time with both you and Billy. Please know that I think of you often.

    Love,
    Donna

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