Billy Ray Hawthorne

Billy Ray Hawthorne, of Nederland, Texas passed away Monday, January 31, 2022, at the age of 87. He was born July 1, 1934, to Allie Mae (Rector) and Alfonzo Hawthorne in Sacul, Texas. Billy Ray lived in the area since 1950. He proudly served in the United States Army and was a Korean War Veteran.

He married his high school sweetheart, Billie Sue Roy, June 4, 1953, at her home in Nederland. Billy Ray was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He worked at Texaco Asphalt plant in Port Neches for thirty-eight years and retired as a dockman.

Billy Ray loved wood working and carving. He will always be known for the beautifully hand carved “walking sticks” he would make. He wrote a book of his memoirs, had it printed and bound, and proudly shared with his family of which they will cherish always. He loved to fish. It was said, “no one could ever catch fish like Billy Ray Hawthorne”. His other likes were Blue Grass Music, George Jones, and he looked forward every year to go to Iota, Louisiana to celebrate Mardi Gras. Billy Ray would love to go to the Alamo and the State Capital as well as Capps Cabin at the Air Force Academy. He loved the Nederland Masonic Lodge and his Lodge Brothers. Most of all you could say his true passion was his family. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for any of them or anyone for that matter.

Billy Ray was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Roy Hawthorne and his parents, Allie Hawthorne Lee, Alfonzo Hawthorne, and stepfather, Ervin Lee.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Billie Sue; daughter, Susan Aleksandrowicz and husband, Dan, of Nederland; son, David Hawthorne and wife, Jamie, of Llano; brother, Jack Hawthorne and wife, Carol Jean, of Nederland; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A gathering of Mr. Hawthorne’s family and friends will begin 9:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 3, 2022, with Reverend Charles Pederson officiating, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12^th Street, Nederland. Serving as pallbearers will be his lodge brothers. His interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

Memorial contributions may be made to Nederland Masonic Lodge #1368 AF & AM, 1204 North 27th Street, Nederland, Texas 77627.

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