John Billy McAlpin's Obituary
John Billy (Bill) McAlpin passed away as a result of a motor vehicle accident the evening of June 6, 2019 at the age of 84.
He was born in Mize MS 1934, the second of four brothers. He grew up in Jackson MS and attended Central High School where he met Bobbie Jean Milling, the love of his life. They married 18 months after graduation and were together until death parted them 64 years later.
Always determined, and with Bobbie’s encouragement, he worked full time to pay his way and graduate with an electrical engineering degree from Mississippi State. This was one of many “against the odds” accomplishments in keeping with his mantra: “if it’s not impossible or against the laws of physics, I can do it.”
He served in the USAF for a 3-year tour, then enjoyed a career at Western Electric, leading a team of engineers and telephone company to embrace change and enter into the computer age. Later in that capacity he was moved to subsidiaries ATT and Lucent Technologies.
Retired after 30 years, he became a full-time motor home traveler. After seeing the 48 states and Alaska, he settled into East Texas.
He was an accomplished handyman and fixer of all broken things, ordained Deacon and in the Southern Baptist Church, volunteer at GSMC, quite the competitive ALTA tennis player in his day, and a lifelong bridge player even though he was “never dealt any cards”. He simply enjoyed the game and the fellowship.
He loved God, Country and family. He was a great listener who had sage advice often dolled out from his collection of Papa Billisms. He was a good husband, father, and friend.
He is preceded in death by parents Elmer and Essie McAlpin, and brother Jim McAlpin. He leaves a Bill sized hole in the hearts of wife Bobbie McAlpin; brothers Charles and Mitchell McAlpin; daughters Laura Martin and Alesia Childress; grandchildren Brantley Childress, Lindsay Miller, Keller Martin, Lauren King, and Riley Childress; great grandchildren Bates Miller and Brynn Childress.
He has left an indelible legacy in our family. We will miss him but know we will see him again in our Heavenly Home.
Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation from 6pm-8pm Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at Rader Funeral Home, Longview.
As per John’s wishes private cremation will take place.
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