Billy Forrest Strait

Early in the morning of July 6, 2020, prayers were answered for the family when Billy Forrest Strait passed away peacefully in his sleep at home.  

He was born to Laura and Floyd Strait in Robstown Texas on October 6, 1934.  In August of 1961 he married his wife of almost 59 years, Jean Heasley Strait. He worked at Reynolds Metals Aluminum Plant for 42 and a half years, during which he experienced one of his greatest delights, raising his two daughters Tammy Jean Strait Dunlap (Paul Dunlap), and Cheryl Ann Strait Kacal (Ronnie Kacal) and then welcoming and nurturing grandchildren Brittany Jean Kacal Hart (Kyle), Charles Forest Dunlap (Sara), Cory Stephen Kacal, and Cherish Annette Dunlap.  To Tammy, Cheryl, all of their friends, numerous nieces and nephews and to his grandchildren, he was known for laughter, fun and games.  He was a loyal family man, generous, tender, kind, and affectionate to his family, master of checkers and chess, and huge fan of western movies and stock market.  Throughout his life,he enjoyed various hobbies such as fishing, sailboating, cattle ranching, leatherwork and more.  Recently his leather, Singer sewing machine (circa 1920s) was donated to Robstown Museum.  His family marveled at his knowledge and skill about math, Texas history, and anything that he put his mind to before Alzheimer's dementia.

Over the years he and his wife accomplished many goals together, like scrimping, saving, building their home affectionately named Lonesome Oaks, outside of Bayside Texas, flipping a couple houses,  always coming to the aid and support of his family when needed.  They saw to it that their girls obtained a college education, attended many ballet recitals and family events, traveled to deep Mexico and to Alaska, and many family gatherings on the South Fork of the Guadalupe River, but the greatest daily gift and joy in his life was being married to his sweetie.  As long as he had her, he was happy and she took excellent care of him through diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease.

The family would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank his many WHATABURGER FRIENDS for making him feel like one of the group, and to make a public statement of gratitude to God in Christ for many answered prayers and a very blessed life, with the much loved man, Bill Strait.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, and numerous other loved ones.

A private graveside service at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Bayside Texas is planned and the family asks that in lieu of flowers please donate to favorite charity, or to Alzheimer's Association or American Heart Association in honor of his nephew Dean Ross.