Billie Jo King

Billie Jo King, age 91, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.  Revered and loved by many, Billie will be remembered for her compassion, humor, gentleness, and unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

She was born on January 19, 1934, in Georgetown, Texas, the beloved daughter of Ola (Adams) Quinn and William E. Box, and stepdaughter of Edward J. Quinn. Billie spent her early years in Central Texas alongside her younger sister, Patsy Ann Parker.

After graduating from Belton High School, Billie met the love of her life, Elmer Richard (E.R.) King Jr., on a double date. Their relationship deepened while E.R. pursued his degree at Texas A&M University, and they married August 29, 1953, shortly after his graduation.  As the wife of a United States Air Force Colonel, Billie was a devoted and resilient military spouse. She supported E.R. through 21 years of service, managing the many moves and sacrifices that came with it, and created a home filled with faith and love wherever they were stationed.  In 1961, Billie and E.R. were sealed for time and all eternity in the Cardston Alberta Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—a sacred covenant that reflected their deep devotion to each other and to their faith. Billie lived her beliefs with quiet dignity and sincere conviction. She loved her Savior deeply and joyfully shared her testimony with family and friends.

Her life was filled with acts that rarely drew attention and never sought recognition, yet left a lasting impact—especially on those closest to her. She demonstrated unwavering dedication to her faith through years of church service and volunteerism; a commitment to her community through her work with the Armstrong Community Improvement Association; and tireless devotion to her family.  Billie’s love for her family was the heart of her life. She and E.R. raised two beloved daughters, Debra Karen and Laura Elizabeth. Her home was a haven of peace and kindness, shaping the lives of her children and grandchildren through steady love and quiet service. Her legacy was woven over a lifetime of small, beautiful acts—patched jeans, cream of wheat breakfasts, handmade Halloween costumes, wiped-up spills, and dried tears. Her constant encouragement and loving support were a well of strength to all who knew her.

She was known for her unassuming honesty and humility, her wry and funny commentary, her storytelling, and her habit of singing playful scraps of songs from her childhood. She had a way of making people feel valued and loved, and her friendships were deeply cherished.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and her grandson, Earl Leonard “Len” Gillespie III. 

She is survived by her husband of nearly 72 years, Elmer R. King Jr.; daughters Debra Gillespie (husband, Earl) and Laura Young (husband, Clint); eight grandchildren—Amie Corley, Ryan Gillespie, Evan Gillespie, Tiffany Young, Lauralee Roddy, Trevor Young, Kylee Magleby, Haylee Anderson—and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Billie will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family. Her conviction, steadiness, and love have profoundly blessed the lives of many—especially her family—and her influence will be felt for generations to come. She will be deeply missed, even as her loved ones look forward with quiet assurance to an eternal reunion and enduring companionship.

A viewing will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Dossman

Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3909 Ermine Trail, Temple, TX. Interment will follow at North Belton Cemetery.