S. R. Bills, Jr.

S.R. Bills, Jr. of Stephenville, age 94, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Stephenville Funeral Home chapel with burial to follow at West End Cemetery. The family will host a visitation one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

S.R. was born in a bedroom of his grandmother Nichols’ home on Cage street in Stephenville on September 14, 1929 to Sterling and Kathleen (Nichols) Bills. He was a lifelong resident of Erath county, attending Evergreen school prior to Stephenville High School, where he met the love of his life, Eloise Boase. They were married on September 9, 1948, and recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

S.R. was a farmer, a dairyman and a produce manager, but most will remember him as a telephone company repairman for Gulf States United, later Sprint, Telephone company. After retirement, he raised Cornish hens, competing in show competitions around Texas. On January 29, 2000, he was elected to the Texas Poultry Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He was a faithful member of the Johnsville Church of Christ.

S.R. is survived by his wife Eloise, their son Michael and wife Sherry of Lubbock, TX, daughter Pat Crow and husband Rickey of Fort Worth, TX, as well as grandchildren Cory Bills (wife Melody) of Lubbock, Chris Bills (wife Tonya) of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, DeDe Crow Hogg (husband Steve) of Foley, Alabama and Philip Crow (wife Cassie) of Little Elm. He is also survived by 9 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren, as well as his sister in law Virginia Bills and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ella Francis Edwards and Jackie Hankins, as well as brother C.L. (Buddy) Bills.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Foster’s Home for Children would be appreciated.