William Ray “Billie” Kimbrough, 89, of Beaumont was born November 28, 1927 and passed away July 8, 2017 in Beaumont. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Claybar Kelley-Watkins Chapel in Beaumont with Reverend Bob Boone officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The Southeast Texas Veterans’ Service Group will provide military honors. Masonic Rites will be offered by Beaumont Lodge 286 AF&AM. A gathering of family and friends will be on Friday, July 21, 2017 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Billie was a native and lifelong resident of Beaumont. He was a graduate of South Park High School and Baylor University where he earned his BA in education and minored in history. He attended on a football scholarship to help rebuild Baylor’s football program.
While working the oil patch in Venezuela he received a phone call that his draft letter had come in and he enlisted in the Army Medical Corp during the Korean War.
He began his career as a coach for South Park High School. He loved coaching and was able to take his South Park Baseball team to Mexico City to play. He taught many students to drive and enjoyed driving the school bus. He retired as an Assistant Superintendent with BISD.
Bill Kimbrough was elected to the Port of Beaumont Board of Commissioners in April 1969. He was appointed President of the Port Board in September 1973. He served in that capacity until he resigned from the Port Board in March 2001. He served a total of 32 years. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Foreign Trade Zone of Southeast Texas Inc. in July of 1983 and served on that board of trustees until 2001. His participation with both the port and the Foreign Trade Zone of Southeast Texas was an indication of Bill’s commitment to the economic growth and development of our area.
He served on many area boards like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and St. Elizabeth to name a few.
He was an active member of the YMBL and was a Past President and Key Man.
He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Dun Workin’ Club and the Choker’s Golf Group.
He is survived by his wife June Virginia Kimbrough and son, Randall Kimbrough of Beaumont; 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jodie and Kate (Alexander) Kimbrough; sister, Mildred Havens and brothers, T.J., Henry and Clyde Kimbrough.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Shriners Hospital Galveston for patient services or to Alzheimer’s research.