Billy Joe Melin (B.J.), age 75, of Whitney, Texas, passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Billy Joe was born in Ennis, Texas, on July 4, 1948, to parents, William Joseph Melin and Mary Frances (Patak) Melin. He attended St. James Catholic School and was a proud graduate of Bishop Dunne Catholic High School where he enjoyed a highly successful football career.

Billy Joe married Suzanne Denise (Zett) Melin on September 28, 1974, and they recently celebrated 49 loving years of marriage.

Billy Joe took pride in owning an air conditioning and heating company for many decades with locations in both Dallas and Garland, Texas. He was recently working as a Mechanical Engineering Consultant where he was able to spend time traveling to exciting job sites.

Billy Joe was a great lover of motorcycle rides, fishing, and hunting and was known for his skills in repairing just about anything that was brought to him.

Billy Joe loved his family and friends and is survived by his wife, Suzanne Denise (Zett) Melin; his children, Billy Joe, Jr., Stacy Marie, Joseph Michael, and Stefany Anne; his grandchildren, Carter Joseph Salazar, Sophia Juliet, and Karma Anne; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers will be: Dennis Zett, James (Jim) Zett, Larry Zett, James Handlin, Paul Hataluk, Jr., and Brandon Barber. Honorary Pallbearer: Gary Lakey

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rosary at 4 p.m.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis with Father John Dick as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery in DeSoto, Texas under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Submitted by family