Billy J. Dool

Obituary for Billy J. Dool

Billy J. Dool, 87, of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on October 13, 2025, following a short but courageous battle with metastatic carcinoma. Born September 6, 1938, in Malakoff, Texas, Billy was the beloved son of Henry Harris Dool and Tiny Fay Redd Dool.

Billy graduated as Valedictorian of the Hubbard High School Class of 1957. Spending his younger years in Corsicana as a newspaper boy, he remained an honorary member of the Corsicana High School Class of 1957, attending many of their reunions over the years.

A devoted resident of Dayton for the past 65 years, Billy was a pillar of the community and a man of deep faith. Since 1978, he served as the pastor of The Church by Christ Jesus in Dayton, where he ministered with love and conviction. He lived his life for Jesus Christ. His passion for gospel music was evident in his open mic performances throughout Liberty and Polk Counties and as founder, singer, and guitarist with the Christ Jesus Gospelaires. For over four decades, he hosted a Sunday gospel radio program—lasting 41 years, 1 month, and 9 days—on KPXE Radio Station in Liberty, which later became part of the well-known KSBJ Christian radio network.

Billy was also a respected insurance agent, faithfully serving the local area with United and later Reliable Insurance for more than 50 years. This personal relationship with the community created lasting friendships with generations of families. Beyond his professional life, he was deeply committed to public service, having served on the City Planning Committee and the HUD Board. He was also a dedicated coach and supporter of local youth, volunteering for many years with the Dayton Youth Sports Association as a Board Member across basketball, baseball, and soccer programs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law Nadine Matthews and Juanita Whitener, and eight brothers-in-law.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Bonnie Dool; son, Micah Louis Dool and wife Christina; daughters Marieda Lynne Kilgore and husband Lee, Michaela Knaplund and husband Justin, and third daughter - Theresa Sechelski and husband Joe. He also leaves behind his sisters: Myrtle Bates and husband Leonard, Nina Brown, and Carolyn Lackey.

His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Andrea Gauthier and husband Henry, Vanessa Mangrum and husband Cory, Milah Sanchez and husband David, Madison Burney, Austin Knaplund, Benjamin Knaplund, Milana Knaplund, Marquette Knaplund, Dareone Diaz and husband Kelvin, Isaac Dool and wife Skylar, Sagelynn Dool, and Solomon Dool.

Billy was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren: Hannah and Cody, Ashlyn, Elaina, Natalie, Delaney, Kayden, Makinleigh, Chloe, Ryker Elio, Travis Jr., Selene, Casey and Ryker Louis—as well as great-great-grandchildren "on the way," Maggie and Bonnie.

His extended family includes many nieces, nephews and friends. His laughter, his smile, his friendship will be missed by everyone he knew.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A celebration of Billy’s life will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., also at Pace Stancil, with interment to follow at Center Grove Cemetery in Livingston, Texas.