Obituaries

Billie Mac Beene, 89, passed away Oct. 7, 2022, at his home near Teague following a lengthy battle with leukemia. Billie was born to Roy and Alma Beene on Aug. 9, 1933. He was delivered by his grandfather, Dr. E. I. I. Baty. He graduated from Teague High School in 1950 and began working at the L.R. Boyd Motor Co. in the Parts Department shortly thereafter while also helping his dad in the farming operation. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 and served a two-year tour of duty. Upon return from the military he rejoined Boyd Motor. He also returned to helping his dad build Beene Farms into a successful operation raising cotton, hogs and cattle. It was during this time that he met Beth Beene, the love of his life as well as best friend and Number 1 business partner. They married April 30, 1960. He would then join the Donie Bank and later become a part owner in the bank. In 1974, he and Beth bought the Freestone Store and later Teague Supply. In the mid-1970s he left the bank to devote all his time to Beene Farm. Billie, Beth and their three nephews later formed Beene & Eubanks Cattle. He was incredibly proud of the ranching operation that he and the family built over the years. He loved buying land and improving the land as exemplified when he was named Conservationist of the Year for Freestone County.

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Ronnie Pat “RP” Spillers, born March 18, 1935, in Mexia to Roy and Mary Spillers, passed away peacefully at Rose Trail Nursing and Rehab in Tyler, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, at the age of RP graduated from Mexia High School in Mexia, Class of 1954. He was an exceptional football player (offensive tackle and defensive lineman), lettering all four years. Coach Truett Little was his coach at that time. He earned a full scholarship to Rice University in Houston. RP turned down the scholarship to stay home and work in the oil field with his dad. Many years later he went on to become a master carpenter, home-builder and custom cabinet-builder, owning a successful company in Tyler.