Billy B. Bradshaw, 87, of Nacogdoches, Texas was born in Lilbert, Texas on April 12, 1936 to Dewey 'Buck' and Ida Lee Bradshaw. He went to be with the Lord on October 14, 2023. Billy knew Jesus as 'the good Lord' and when asked once what would happen to him after his life was over, Billy pointed toward Heaven and said, 'I may not always show it, but I know it.' He showed it more than he knew. He was a humble man, steadfast in love, gentle and strong. He loved his family and gave his life for them to know it. He also loved deer hunting and watching bull riding. The 'pretty country' in the mountains of Colorado was his home away from home.

Billy honored the lives of hundreds of people in the East Texas region for over 20 years through burial with East Texas Cemetery Service. He was a cowboy at heart and he loved to fly. The following poem demonstrates in words what flying meant to him.

'High Flight' by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings: Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sunsplit clouds and done a hundred things.

You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence, hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Though there is a time for weeping, there is also a time for rejoicing. Billy has reached a love greater than he has ever known, a beauty better than the mountains, a freedom sweeter than riding horses, a height higher than flying. Billy has put out his hand and touched the face of God.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Carole Bradshaw of Nacogdoches; son, Lane Bradshaw and wife, GiGi and daughters, Kim Stanaland and husband, Bill, and Shelia Cupit and husband, Jeff, all of Nacogdoches; brother, Dewey Bradshaw and wife, Laverne, of Crossville, TN; sisters, Blenda McGee and husband, Lex, of Douglas, TX and Gaylia Gibson and husband, Paul, of Nacogdoches; grandchildren, Brady Stanaland and wife, Wendi, Memory Green and husband, Dorsey, Randi McQueen and husband, Jeff, Brett Bradshaw and Andrea; J Cole Cupit and Cody Cupit; and great grandchildren, Will, Wade, Dawson, AJ, Livi, Lexi, Letti, Elli, Emery and Haven.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sabrina Bradshaw; and brother, Jay Dean Bradshaw.

Memorial services were held October 17, 2023 in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 5127 North St, Nacogdoches under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Brian Tyre officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Brady Stanaland, Dorsey Green, Jeff McQueen, Brett Bradshaw, J Cole Cupit and Cody Cupit.

In lieu of flowers, it is the request of the family that donations instead be made to Love INC, 917 Ruby St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome. com.