William Billy Small

Weslaco: William “Billy” Small was born March 9th, 1933.
With wonderful memories and deep sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of William “Billy” Small, May 30th, 2014 at the Aurora Comfort House in Weslaco.
William “Billy” was the dearest husband and best friend of Eleanor “Ellie” for 57 years. Dearest and loving father of his daughter, Patty “Peanut”, (Tim) Callahan, Michigan.
He is survived by his sister Magdalene (Peggy) Gosselin, dear nephew Brian (Gail), Michigan, great neice Zonica (George), Derderian, Michigan, many great neices and nephews, brother-in-law, Jerry (Valinda) Hnatiw, Manitoba, Canada.
Cherished “Uncle Billy”, loved by relatives, cousins, and many, many friends, both near and far.
Upon retiring March 1, 1993, after 30 years from GM Spring & Bumper in Livonia, MI, he needed to keep himself busy, so he got a part-time job at Henderson Glass in Southfield, Michigan. He was a delivery man for about 9 years. Soon after leaving Henderson Glass, he became a courtesy driver for Les Stanford Cadillac in Dearborn, MI for 5 years or so.
After full retirement, he and Ellie spent time between Dearborn Heights, Michigan and Weslaco, TX, so they were now called “Winter Texans”. Shortly there after, Billy and Ellie moved to Weslaco, Texas in August 2005, and became permanent “Texans”.
He became a Mason in June of 1982, was an active member of Detroit Moslem Shrine and was a great fun circus worker, became a member of the Oriental Band and eventually, a Piper of the Detroit Moslen Shrine Highlanders. He took great pride in this unit.
His time here in Weslaco was spent tinkering in the garage and his yard. He especially took pride and great care of his orange tree. He volunteered at Hidalgo BorderFest Hot Peppers as a ticket taker.
Billy was an avid Detroit Red Wing Hockey fan, as well as other Canadian teams. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions and University of Michigan College Football.
He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Alex (Toni) and Mike (Sophie).
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 5th, from 1pm-9pm with a Rosary at 7pm.
Cremation to follow.
For more information please go to www.mccalebfuneralhome.com
Services are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home.