Billy Dee Pollard

Billy Dee Pollard, 98, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026.

Bill was born on November 22, 1927, in Alvarado, Texas, to Lewis Oliver Pollard and Virgie Irene Gilreath Pollard. He was raised in Lillian, Texas, where he grew up as the fourth of eleven children, learning the values of hard work, family, and faith that would guide him throughout his life.

Bill married the love of his life, Bettye Ritchie on March 8, 1957. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished every moment spent with those he loved.

Bill found his greatest happiness in the simple things. He loved working the land, caring for his cows, tinkering on cars, and spending time outdoors. He was never one for fancy things, preferring an honest day's work and a quiet life. He was a true man's man—strong, dependable, hardworking, and humble. His passion for farming and being amid his cattle was evident to everyone who knew him.

Bill was a member of the First Methodist Church in Alvarado, Texas, where his faith remained an important part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bettye Ritchie Pollard; his parents, Lewis Oliver Pollard and Virgie Irene Gilreath Pollard; his daughter, Deborah Broussard; his great-grandson, Bodie Martin; his son-in-law, Kent Johnson, husband of his daughter Belinda; and his siblings, Grace Angel, Lometa Horton, Truitt Pollard, Finis Pollard, Bobby Pollard, James Pollard, Leroy Pollard, Joyce Pollard, Ronnie Pollard, and Doris Pollard.

Bill is survived by his children, Ikie Cuch (Lynn), Skeeter Pollard (Sheryl), Belinda Johnson, and Valerie Martin (Danny), along with their families. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Derek Trull, David Heath Trull, Chance Broussard, Ritchie Martin, and Cameron Martin; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Bill will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his gentle strength, his humble spirit, and the example he set through a well lived life. He believed that the greatest blessings in life weren't found in material things, but in family, faith, and an honest day's work. Whether he was walking through a pasture, tending to his cattle, fixing an old car, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Billy found joy in life's simplest moments.

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