Billy Charles Roten

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap that which is planted.” 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Billy Charles Roten passed peacefully into the loving arms of God on Sunday, March 7, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite his struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, he lived his 86 years of life with dignity and honor.

Billy was born on April 18, 1934 to J.W. Roten and Peggy Anderson Roten and raised by his grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. C.C. Anderson in Venus, Texas.  As Billy lived his entire life in Venus, Texas, he graduated from Venus High School in 1951 where he excelled in sports receiving awards in basketball and tennis. He later attended Arlington State University in Arlington, Texas.  In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the 62nd Highway Patrol Unit of the Military Police, stationed in Heidelberg, Germany.

After returning home from service, Billy married Joyce Rayburne in May,1959 and started their family together. Deborah Lynn Roten was born in 1959 and Leah Suzanne Roten was born in 1963.

The birth of his only grandchild, Mack Kennemer in 1991, was the joy of his life and took him on many tractor rides as a baby.

By this time, Billy had become a successful cotton, wheat and maize farmer, as well as a cattle rancher and land owner. While Billy continued to use his drive to help his hometown of Venus prosper, he served as director of local banks to help them start business in the area. Billy was forever proud of his hometown of Venus and Venus ISD. He served on the Venus School Board and continued to support the Athletic Department until the end of his life.  Sports were his passion and continued playing tennis until his health did not allow it. Billy Charles’ life was spent working hard to provide for his treasured family and supporting cherished friends in their area of need.

He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his beloved daughter, Debbie Kennemer and his brother, Larry Roten.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 61 years, Joyce, his daughter Suzi Rich and husband Dwain of Midlothian, and his grandson Mack Kennemer of Addison.

Also survived by: brother Robert Roten and wife Beth of San Antonio, sister Mary Roten of San Antonio, many cousins, nieces, nephews, countless friends and loyal dog companion, Buddy.

Memorial Donations may be sent to:

Community Healthcare of Texas

Hospice House at Huguley Branch

301 Medpark Circle

Burleson, Texas   76028

Peach Orchard Project

c/o Paula Rayburne Ministries

Alvarado, Texas

Johnson County Child Welfare

Cleburne, Texas

Funeral Arrangements:
First Baptist Church, Alvarado, Texas
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 1:00 P.M.  
Burial at Glenwood Cemetery to follow
***Family asks that masks please be worn for everyone's protection***
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Billy Charles Roten, please visit our floral store.