Billy Lynell Shults

Billy Lynell Shults
Billy Lynell Shults, 70, of Orange, passed away on March 4, 2019, in Port Arthur.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2019, at North Orange Baptist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Lynn Ashcraft.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service at North Orange Baptist Church.

Born in Fields, Louisiana, on February 19, 1949, he was the son of Ora Delmon Shults and Reatha Mae (Huckaby) Shults. Billy Shults was raised in Starks, LA by his parents and with his siblings, cutting his teeth on fast cars in his dad’s mechanic shop. He graduated from Starks High School in 1967, when he met his beloved wife Carolyn and began their romance that was to last 49 years. After graduation, he served 2 years in the United States Army. He worked for BASF for 34 years as a multicraft maintenance tech, where his work ethic was well-respected and his knowledge and skills with almost any tool he picked up were heavily relied upon. He and Carolyn resided in Orange, TX, where they raised their daughter Stephanie, and were long-time active members of North Orange Baptist Church.

Bill loved spending time with his family and friends anywhere he was – camping and traveling all over the US, holidays and celebrations, participating in his daughter’s and then grandchildren’s events, and helping people anywhere he saw a need. He was known for his outgoing, never-meet-a-stranger warmth, his famous skills on the barbecue pit, his immaculate yard, and his giant hugs. And he never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or important date. Ever. He will be greatly missed by former co-workers who called him friend, by Garner buddies with whom he shared fun, food and a bit of mischief, by nephews who called him mentor, by childhood friends with whom he never lost touch, by a wife who cherished him as her best friend, and by family and friends who shared in so many special traditions with him.

In life and death, Bill always wanted God to be glorified. His life was a shining example of a true servant and of faith – you can’t meet anyone who knew him who didn’t know of his love for Jesus.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ora Delmon and Reatha Mae Shults of Starks, LA, and brother-in-law Billy Blakeney.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn A. Shults of Orange; daughter, Stephanie Kirby of Beaumont; two grandchildren, Connor and Paige; one sister, Maurice Ray and husband Kenneth of Mansfield, MO; two brothers, Buddy Shults and wife Sherry of Tyler, TX, and Tolly Shults and wife Kathy of Orange, TX; two sisters-in-law, Noreta Barbre and husband Al of Orange, TX and Sandra Blakeney of Deweyville, TX; and an abundance of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made to North Orange Baptist Church at 4775 N 16th St. Orange, TX 77632.