John W. (Billy) Whitford, 87, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, in Bristol, Texas.

Billy was born in Bristol, Texas, on July 12, 1936, to John W. and Gracie (Barker) Whitford, Sr. Billy grew up in Bristol and graduated from Ferris High School. Billy married the love of his life Linda Drake on April 28, 1957, after they traveled the world during his military career, they settled in Bristol in 1974. Billy served his country proudly in the United States Army retiring after 21 years including service in Vietnam from 1968-1969.

Billy worked for Northrop-Grumman from 1979-1998 in maintenance. Billy enjoyed hunting and fishing. Family was the joy of Billy's life and spending time on the farm was always on his mind.

Billy is survived by his son, John William "Willie" Whitford, Jr. and his wife, Kim; daughter, Judy Davis and her husband, Marty; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and a host of extended family and friends.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Linda, two sisters: Myrtle Faye Sparkman and Linda Howard; and three brothers: Johnny Ray Andrews, Ronald Whitford and Larry Wayne Childress.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Bristol Cemetery with Rev. David Futral officiating under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Bristol Cemetery Association in memory of Billy.