Billy Wayne Tullos was born to Claude Ivy and Edith Evelyn (Price) Tullos on September 21, 1936. He passed from this life on August 24, 2025 in Ace, Texas at the age of 88.
He enlisted in the military in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1956 with a physical disability. He married Carolyn Barker Emmons in March 1960. He worked for many years in the shipping industry providing for his family. After losing his job, he went back to college, graduating with a business degree in 1989. With a new career, he went to work for the City of Houston until his retirement.
He served as Commander of the VFW Post 8568 and was involved with the Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star 1139. Billy loved the Lord and America and was a lover of the great outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping and woodworking. He loved working in the yard tending to his fruit trees and his vegetable garden. He loved to travel. He got hooked on cruising when he went to Alaska for his 50th wedding anniversary. Billy’s adventurous soul has deeply impacted those who knew him and he will be forever missed.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Tullos; children, Cheryl E. Rodriguez and husband Jesse, Leanne D. Decola and husband Pete, and Wayne A. Tullos; son-in-law, Tod Richmond; grandchildren, John M. Rodriguez and wife Erin, Frank Rodriguez, Karen M. Garza and husband Leon, Elisa P. Simmons, James R. Decola and wife Mandy, Joann Harthcock and husband Bill, Joseph D. Decola and wife Suzy, Christi Rodrigues, Lindsey Rodrigues, Courtney Rodrigues, Alan R. Tullos, and Andrea Tullos; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert L. Tullos and wife Pat, Richard I. Tullos and wife Joyce, Elnora Ragsdale, Murielene Hatton and husband Jerry, Gerald L. Tullos and wife Susan, Debra A. Wood and husband Ronnie and Margaret F. Pixley and husband Bryant; as well as many nieces, nephews, family members and loving friends.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tonya R. Richmond; brother, Joseph V. Tullos; sister, Linda S. Henson; and brothers-in-law, Gary Ragsdale and Melvin Henson.
A visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Pace Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas. A celebration of Billy’s life was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Pace Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas with Brother John Taylor officiating. Interment followed at Tullos Cemetery in Ace, Texas.
Please leave online condolences at www.pacefuneral.com.
