Billy Bassham
Billy Gene Bassham, 81, of Ganado, Texas passed from his earthly life into the arms of our Lord on September 7, 2024. He was born April 14, 1943, in Corpus Christi, Texas to J.D. and Thelma Bassham. The family moved to Ganado when he was a freshman in high school. He was a proud member of the Ganado High School graduating class of 1962.
Immediately following graduation, he joined Pipeliners Union 798 of Tulsa, Oklahoma and began his career in pipeline construction on the Colonial Pipeline in Mississippi. He traveled to almost every state in the United States while welding on major pipelines including the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in 1975. He served the union as a Welder Helper, Welder, Welding Foreman, Union Steward and Inside Guard at union meetings. After retiring from the union, he worked as a Welding Inspector on many major pipelines including the Kern River Project. He inspected the construction of this pipeline from Utah to California. Locally, he owned Ganado Welding Service. He welded for various oil field companies and did general welding in the area.
Billy was a member of Pipeliners Local Union 798 for 62 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ganado, Texas, and Campers on Mission of Texas.
He married his high school sweetheart, Gladys Preuss, in 1962. They were blessed with two daughters, Bobbi Ann and Vicki Lynn, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Ray (Marieta), Harold and Jerry Bassham. He is survived by his devoted wife, Gladys; daughters, Bobbi Ann Bassham Wigginton (Jay), Vicki Lynn Bassham Schneider (Patrick); grandchildren: Jason Sulak (Shanna), Lauren Wigginton Bryant (Lawrence), Chelsea Schneider, Allison Schneider, and Nolan Schneider; great-grandchildren: Evan Graham Sulak, Lawrence Jay Bryant, Conrad Bassham Bryant, and Elliot Ann Bryant. He is survived by numerous nephews, nieces and sister-in-law, Faye Bassham. He is also survived by cousins Karen Christie (Ronny), Linda Rhoton (Craig) and Finis (Sonny) Bassham. Billy's family was the greatest joy of his life, and he will be remembered for his love and commitment to them.
Billy was a man of deep Christian faith, grounded in a strong belief in the Lord. His trust in God was a source of comfort and strength. He held a special love for his family, but his other passions included fishing, his antique cars, traveling, camping, playing the guitar, snow skiing, water skiing, and watching TV.
The family will receive visitors on Saturday September 14, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ganado with a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Ganado City Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Jay Paul Wigginton, Patrick Schneider, Nolan Schneider, Lawrence (Bucky) Bryant, Don Bassham, and Randy Vaughn. Honorary pallbearers are The Class of 1962, C.A. Preuss, and Floyd Sims.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Ganado, PO Box 385, Ganado, Texas 77962
Services are entrusted to the Todish family of Ganado Funeral Home.