Billie Carrol Reding

Billie Carrol Reding, devoted rancher's wife, mother, Maw, sister, and friend, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Billie was born on January 30, 1944, in Galveston, Texas to Robert and Effie Mitchell. She graduated from Clear Creek High School before attending Sam Houston State College, where she met the love of her life. Ray Lee and Billie were married December 21, 1968, and settled in Madisonville where they raised four daughters, ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and countless others who she claims as her own. One of her greatest titles has been that of Maw to anyone who knows her.

Billie began her teaching and coaching career at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. She served the children of Madisonville CISD for over fifty years as an English teacher, coach, substitute teacher and loyal supporter of Mustang Athletics and FFA.

Maw loved teaching and coaching, continuing to do both long after retirement. She very rarely missed any event her children and grandchildren were involved in. So many life lessons have come from her competitive spirit and encouragement. Maw was the epitome of graceful strength, courage and eternal optimism. She could see and bring out the good, always encouraging and uplifting others. Maw's constant words to her grandchildren often texted prior to a big competition were, "No matter what happens, ask for God's help, focus and work hard, relax and have fun. I'll be there watching you."

If Billie wasn't at a ball game or rodeo for one of the kids, she could be found working alongside Poppa in the hay fields, riding with him to feed cows or working at the sale barn in Groesbeck.

Billie was a member of First Methodist Church in Madisonville. Her devotion to her Savior, Jesus, was reflected in her daily life, characterized by a servant's heart, a genuine love for people, and a deep appreciation for God's creations. She consistently demonstrated grace toward others, regardless of their circumstances.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Effie Mitchell; sister, Loraine Delesandri; brother-in-law, Nick Delesandri; father-in-law, Ray Reding; and mother-in-law, Merle Reding.

Those left to cherish her memory include loving husband of fifty-six years, Ray Lee Reding; children, Carol Phillips (Jason), Jo Dorman, Laney Smith (Keith), and Rae Lyn Williamson (Tracy); grandchildren, Paige Phillips, Maggie Reid (Kyle), Jewel Smith, Ben Phillips (Brooke), Kasey Williamson (Kylie), Marcus Dorman, Sidnie Smith, Grace Willamson, Audree Phillips, and Karlee Willamson; great-grandchildren, Blake Phillips, Larryn, Laith & Lillie Reid, and Kolt Williamson; twin sister, Bobbie Johnson (Phil); sister by choice / honorary triplet, Lee Anna Holiday; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A funeral service honoring Billie's life will be held 3 P.M., Sunday, March 16, 2025, at First Methodist Church, Madisonville, Texas, immediately followed by burial in Ten Mile Cemetery, Normangee, Texas. Jim Jackson will officiate the service. Visitation will take place 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Madisonville Funeral Home.

Pallbearers: Ben Phillips, Kasey Williamson, Marcus Dorman, David Delesandri, Richard Delesandri, Todd Johnson, David Delesandri, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers: Don Henderson, Charles Ray Spurgeon, John Houston, Bill Cannon, Sonny Dean, David Ely

In lieu of flowers, the Reding family requests that donations be made to Ten Mile Cemetery, PO Box 216, Normangee, Texas 77871, or Billie Reding Memorial Scholarship ℅ MCISD, PO Box 879, Madisonville, Texas 77864, or American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21751.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.