Billie Van Read's Obituary
Billie Van Read, 75, of Crystal Beach, Texas, passed away January 13, 2013, at a local hospital in Longview. Billie was born September 10, 1937, to Lloyd A. Read Sr. and Ina Mae. Billie Read was a successful businessman who was certified and built drilling rigs from the ground up.
He began sweeping floors at Cabot Corporation in 1957 and rose to become the top sales manager in the Houston area until he moved in 1976. In 1978, he and a partner started Well Servicing Equipment and Supply Company in Kilgore, Texas. He also had many other business interests, P&M Pipe Testing, Kilgore Laydown and KLS & Associates, San Juan Exploration Company and San Juan Trucking, also of Kilgore. His keen knowledge of sales and service in the oil and gas industry was the profession he loved.
He retired and moved to Crystal Beach with his wife, Belinda Kay Read. He retired in 1998. They opened Lite House Liquor, until hurricane Ike took their home and business away. Always a survivor, he was one of the first businesses to reopen. Billie loved his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Belinda Kay Read; daughter, Terri Lynn Read Kennedy of North Richland Hills, Texas; son, Bradley Van Read of Athens, Texas; stepson, Steven Green and his wife, Kristine, of Longview, Texas; grandchildren, Justin and his wife, Jillian Kennedy, Tyler Read Kennedy, Evan Kennedy, Braden Van Read, Whitney Green, Avery Rennick and Alley Fultz; loving sister, Candace Read of Longview; nephews, Jay Day and Chris Jones; and his cousins and great-nieces.
A special thanks to Katrina Womack, George Lemley and all his many friends at the Ship's Wheel.
He especially loved their poodle, Oliver, and he called him, "Oliver from Bolivar."
Billie Read was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lloyd A. "June" Read Jr.
A memorial service for Billie Van Read will be 10 a.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013, at the chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas.
A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com
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