Billy Max Tibbitts

Billy Max “Bill” Tibbitts, 91, of Weatherford, passed away on Sunday January 19th, 2025.

Visitation: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday January 24, 2025 at White’s Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford

Interment will be private at East Greenwood Cemetery, Weatherford

 Bill was born in Many, Louisiana on February 6th, 1933, to Houston and Nettie Tibbitts.

 He was saved at 9 years old, and his father Rev. H.H. Tibbitts baptized him in a nearby pond because the baptistry was broken at the church. He sang in the Many High School choir and in a local quartet with his brother Jimmy and other close friends in Louisianna. One of his fondest childhood memories was singing for General Patton and the troops that were working on special maneuvers near his home at Fort Jessup. Singing in the choir at church and listening to gospel music brought him great joy all his life.

 He left home after high school and joined the Air Force where he served for 4 years. After he served as an Airman 1st Class, he became a helicopter flight instructor for Southern Airways and later for Bell Helicopter. While raising their family in Weatherford, Bill and Lana were members of Emmanual Baptist Church and First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, worked with youth, taught Sunday School and established many sweet friendships. They also owned and operated The Award Center and Aviation Accessories where they traveled and met many people from across the world.

 Bill and his younger brother, Jimmy were also involved with the National Hot Rod Association where they organized drag racing events. He enjoyed his work as a Tech Rep for NHRA and even collected a few winning trophies for car racing. His other interests included buying and selling antique furniture, gardening, and tinkering in his beloved old barn. His smile and laugh were contagious, and he could capture the attention of a room with his story telling. Over the last few years, he worked hard to overcome his physical challenges and never gave up on anything that came into his path. He wanted others to see his determination and faith in God in all that he did. He adored his family and friends and cherished the moments that he shared with them.

 Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Houston and Nettie Tibbitts; wife, Lana Tibbitts; daughter, Eva Leahy; brother, Jimmy Tibbitts; and two sisters, Rose Miller and Ollie Jo Roberts.

He is survived by his daughters, Lana Mazur of Pittsburgh, PA, Becky Peoples and husband, Gary, Susan Stirewalt and husband, Barry, Nancy Plumlee and husband Stephen; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren who love him dearly; numerous nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.