Billy Glenn Young, Sr. was born November 27, 1934 to John Otis Young and Zana Katherine Lofland in Hamlin, Texas. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 10, 2025 at the age of 90.
Billy spent his childhood in the small West Texas towns of Boyd Chapel, Noodle, Trent and Merkel. After graduating from Trent High School in 1953 he worked for Texas Natural Gas Corp. from May 1953 to May 1957. During that time he married the love of his life, Mary Lee Reeve, on December 10, 1956. They later went on to have three children. Their life was interrupted when he enlisted in the US Army from May 1957 to May 1960. After leaving the army, he briefly worked at Merkel Ford Sales as a mechanic from June 1960 to October 1961 before being recalled back to the army with a Critical MOS. Later, he was accepted into helicopter flight school, where he rose to the rank of chief warrant officer three (CW3) as an AH-1G Cobra pilot and aeromedical evacuation specialist. He served valiantly for 20 years, including in Vietnam, earning numerous decorations, such as the Air Medal with. "V" device for valor, and 32 oak leaf clusters, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm (two awards) and Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one silver and two bronze stars, and the Senior Army Aviator Badge. His last overseas assignment was in Germany from January 1974 to July 1977. Billy retired honorably in October 1978.
Transitioning to civilian life, he channeled his expertise as a helicopter pilot for Petroleum Helicopters Inc. from March 1978 to September 1999, serving 19 years transporting crews to offshore oil platforms. 4 of those years off the Gulf of Mexico and the other 15 years off the West Coast of Africa.
When Billy wasn't working, he enjoyed restoring old cars, flying aircraft, gardening, welding-sometimes for work, sometimes just for the fun of making or fixing something. He had a knack for working with his hands and took pride in anything he built.
If you ever met him, you already know-he was a stranger to no one and a friend to everyone. Always ready with a story, a joke, and a way of making people feel at home.
Billy is survived by his children Billy Glenn Young Jr. & wife Julie, Theresa Kay Guidry & husband Wayne, and Vickey Lee Gennuso & husband Frankie; grandchildren, Chet Guidry & wife Lily, Dominick Gennuso, Abigail Allmand & husband Justin, and Tanner Young.
He is proceeded in death by his father, John Otis Young, and mother Zana Katherine Lofland; siblings, John Otis Young Jr., David Allen Young, Tommy Clarence Young, and Zana Beth Scott.
A visitation for Billy will be held from 9:00a-10:00a, Friday, July 18, 2025, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 10:00a, with Brother Mike Loftin officiating.
Interment is to follow at 2:00p, at Houston National Cemetery, in Houston, Texas. Military Honors will be provided by the Houston Honor Guard. |
Billy Glenn Young Sr.
