Let us start by saying Dad was a GREAT DAD!!!

    Billy Bruce Sneed was born in Freestone County, Texas on February 15, 1939 to the union of Leslie and Helen Sneed. He was a graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School in Hubbard, Texas. Billy pursued higher education throughout his life, having attended Central Texas College, Prairie View A&M University, and the University of Maryland. 

     Billy began his career in the Army in 1958 and fought in the Vietnam War in 1967. He retired from the Army after 21 years of service as a Sergeant First Class after working in Logistics, as a Military Police Officer, and as a member of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Upon his return to civilian life, Billy pursued a career as an educator. He spent three years teaching ROTC at Prairie View A&M University, and was also an instructor at Central Texas College for 20 years before his second retirement.

     Known as a helper and encourager to those in need, Billy enjoyed volunteering and assisting others. Each week, he volunteered to distribute food to those in need at the Hamilton-Manjang Mission House and at Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church.. Billy served on the board of  directors of Killeen Creators Garden, a community service organization with a mission to combat food insecurity, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), and disenfranchisement. He was also a former president of both the  Central Texas College Retirees Association and TCAP.  Billy organized a horse riding club which supported various initiatives such as Juneteenth celebrations, church and other community activities, and individual and group horseback riding lessons. In later years, he became a member of a local “Slingshot Riding Club”, riding in numerous parades throughout Central Texas. And for more than 30 years, Billy played an instrumental role in the organization and success of the Killeen Juneteenth Parade.

     Billy’s love and passion for people was always front and center. He loved his family and could always be counted on for a listening ear or a helping hand. Those who knew Billy never doubted where he stood on any issue because he was not one to mince words. Still, he was a compassionate and masterful storyteller. People from all walks of life were comfortable sharing their stories with him, whether they were stories of tragedy and challenges or stories of hope and inspiration. If asked to do so, Billy would simply describe himself as just a friendly person who’s willing to help anyone.

     Billy departed this life on Saturday January 4, 2025 at Advent Health Hospital in Killeen, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Helen Sneed; son, Jerry Sneed; half-brother, John Lee Sneed; sister, Nancy Jenkins; and grandson, BJ Payne. Those left to cherish his memories are his daughters, Debra Bennett (Chester), Billie Sneed, Betty Sneed Payne, and Margret Sneed Talley (Terry); sisters, Bobbie Loud and Roena Celestine (Elvert); brothers, Leslie Sneed and Edward Sneed (Veloria); Seven  grandchildren, Natasha Fuller, Jeri Sneed, Berrera Payne, Chris Talley (Brooke), Chawanda Richardson; Jerry Wayne Johnson (Tammy) and Xavier Sneed, 6 great-grandchildren, Kloe Fuller, Alijah Fuller, Tre’Chaun Payne, Brynlee Payne, Carter Talley, Knox Talley; and soon-to-be-born great-grandchild, Ainsley Rae. He is also  survived by two bonus grandchildren, Andrea and Chester Bennett V; 6 bonus great-grandchildren, Destiny and Julian Bennett, Aiden and Morgan Smith, Adore and Chester Bennett V; special friends, Connie Beckwourth, Dorothy Dendy, Tim Egans, Johnny Pelton, Billy McGowan, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, church members and friends.