Billy Ray Squibb

Billy Ray “Papaw” Squibb, 88, of Robstown, Texas passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021, at his home surrounded by his three daughters.

Bill was born on January 9, 1933, in Kingsport, Tennessee the only child of Walter Emory and Nannie Pearl (Brown) Squibb. He served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1956 as an Airforce Aviation Mechanic.

Billy married the love of his life, Colena Roberta Roberts on May 22, 1952, in Chuckey, Tennessee. Their loving relationship served as a beautiful example of the truest kind of love, spanning 69 years.

Billy might have been born in Tennessee, but he and his girl moved to Texas as fast as they could. He began his Agriculture Aviation career in Clarksville, Texas in 1958. Billy was employed by Trissell Aviation and had firsthand flight knowledge of what has now developed into today’s modern agriculture aviation.

Billy moved to Robstown, Texas in 1961. He began flying for Bird Flying Service where the owner, Julius F. Bird, would support Billy and his family and became more than an employer but a dear friend as well.

In 1973, Billy made the transition from flying over the fields to custom harvesting both locally and in the West Texas area. Through his years as a custom harvester, he was able to make a positive impact on the lives of many youth through summer employment.

In 1988, he stepped out of the fields and on to his Moto Guzzi Motorcycle. He and Colena traveled the United States and shared precious memories together. Many of his travels were shared with his friends, Huey Edwards and Sonny and Janice Johnson.

Billy will forever be remembered for investing time in the lives of his friends and family. The legacy he has left with his family is one we should all strive to live by – No matter how busy you are, always find the time for the ones you love. Billy always had a story to tell and a camera in his hand, documenting his life.

One of Billy’s proudest accomplishments was his 43-year sobriety. August 15 will forever be a special day to his family.

Billy is survived by his wife, Colena Squibb; daughters, Judy Jordan, Sandy Hill and husband Bruce, and Vickie Loessin and husband Shorty; grandchildren, Amanda Lawrence and husband Scott, Cory Hill, Sarah deGanna and husband Josh, Sam Howze and wife Lora, Lisa Arrieta and husband Ralph, Matt Clemer, Scott Howze and wife Sheri, Abby Crawford and husband John, and Rachel Jordan; great grandchildren, Anthony Arrieta, Austin Arrieta, Brayden deGanna, Jacob deGanna, Tanner Lawrence, James Howze, Jane Lawrence, Cameron Crawford, Wesley Howze, Conor Bluemel, Colton Howze, Jaxon Howze and Luke Bluemel.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Squibb and Pearl Seaton and his son in law, John Jordan.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the love and support they received from Devoted Healthcare and Hospice Services and Priscilla Johnson.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at 5300 Loma Road; Robstown, Texas from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 4, 2021. The family would like to invite you to come join as we celebrate the life of Billy

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Nueces County Junior Livestock Show Scholarship Fund; P O Box 260968; Corpus Christi, Texas 78426.