Thursday, April 25, 2024
Billie Rigdon Lam, of Gatesville, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the age of 93, surrounded by her loved ones.
Billie Ray Lam was born December 16, 1929, in Lockney, to Thomas Rigdon and Nellie Busby Rigdon. She married Waylan Dow (Dinkie) Lam on September 15, 1948 in Tucumcari, New Mexico and celebrated 52 years of marriage before his passing.
Billie went to work when she was 13 years old and retired at the age of 83. Her first work experience was in a movie theater in Amarillo. She and Dinkie raised their family in Flat while owning and operating Dinkie Lam Lumber Company. She worked selling merchandise and keeping the books during the week and on Saturday worked at the US Post Office in Flat. Later she was employed at TDCJ and worked seven years at the Gatesville Senior Center, retiring from there in 2013. In 2008 she was voted Senior Citizen of the year by the Gatesville Exchange Club.
Billie was a member of Flat Baptist Church and devoted her life to giving glory to her Lord, Jesus Christ, and love and commitment to her family and friends. She enjoyed being a caregiver. Billie, a fabulous cook, was known for her cakes, candies, and homemade picante sauce. Her family was always excited to come over for her meals, especially her turkey and dressing at Thanksgiving. Her enjoyment in life was raising her family, taking road trips with her husband, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Nellie Rigdon; her husband, Waylan Dow (Dinkie) Lam; son, Francis Paul Lam; sister, Fay Elrod; and brother, Sam Rigdon.
Billie is survived by her daughter, Kathy Lam; grandchildren, Gwen Copeland, Amanda Wolff and husband, Jud, Kayla Hobbs, and Owen Lam; great-grandchildren, Addi, Alyssa, Cash, Autumn, and Vivianne; siblings, Jack, Jimmy, and Ronnie Rigdon; sister-in-law, Debbie Rigdon; and daughter-in-law, Linda Lam. She is also survived by her numerous nieces and nephews.
A private burial will take place at Flint Creek Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gatesville Senior Center, 208 Lutterloh, Gatesville, Texas, 76528.
