Billy Wayne Felts, a faithful Baptist minister and beloved father, grandfather, and friend, peacefully went home to be with his Lord on April 29, 2025 in Paris, TX at the age of 94. He was born on August 22, 1930, the son of W.O. and Ruth Felts.
At the age of 20, Bill married his beautiful wife, Doris, and then shortly surrendered to the ministry and attended Bible Baptist Seminary where he obtained a Master’s in Theology in only 4 years. He began his pastoral journey with a position as a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Following God’s call, Bill moved his family to Lancaster, Ohio where he pastored a church for a short time before returning to his home state of Texas where he continued to serve the Lord by pastoring churches in Plainview, Muleshoe, and Paris, Texas.
At the age of 80, Bill retired from full-time ministry where he had been serving at East Paris Baptist Church as an associate pastor. He and his wife, Doris, were members of East Paris Baptist for over 30 years. Even after retirement, Bill continued to minister to others whenever the opportunity arose, touching the lives of everyone around him. His life was marked by a commitment to pouring into others, whether through his pastoral role or in the quiet moments of personal encouragement. Even as his eyesight began to fail him in later years, Bill remained dedicated to his family and faith, dictating letters filled with biblical encouragement and wisdom for his children and grandchildren. He truly was a hero of the faith – a man who lived his life with kindness, compassion, and an unwavering desire to share God’s love with everyone he met.
Bill was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 72 years, Doris Evelyn Felts; his parents; and his two brothers.
He is survived by his five children, Gary Felts of Perryton; Johnnie Field and husband, Clyde, of Lubbock; Becky Holman and husband, Bob, of Hopewell; Mark Felts and wife, Meredith, of Powderly; Tim Felts and wife, Sharon, of Hopewell; and a sister, Wanda Holzier, and husband, Jerry, of Wichita Falls.
Bill is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Jennifer Stidham and husband, Dennis, of Amarillo; Zackary Felts and wife, Holly, of Perryton; Brook Gibson and husband, Jamie, of Lubbock; Landon Field and wife, Joy, of Lubbock; Allison Malone of Powderly; Jarrod Johnson and wife, Crystal, of Anna; Sarah Johnson of Georgia; Ben Felts and wife, Dusty, of Paris; Chris Felts and wife, Anna, of Powderly; Ashley Babb and husband, Heath, of Hopewell; Kellsey Durham and husband, Jesse, of Powderly; Joshua Felts and wife, Kailee, of Hugo; Noah Felts of Powderly; and two step-grandchildren, Amber Payne and husband, Will, of Longview; and Heather Vanderburg and husband, Josh, of Paris.
He is also survived by 29 great grandchildren, 9 great step-grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, a multitude of nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends gathered over his lifetime of serving the Lord.
A service to honor Bill’s life and legacy will be held on May, 3, 2025 at East Paris Baptist Church at 2:00pm. The family will greet friends and loved ones during the hour prior to his service.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to On Call Hospice and Stillhouse Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for their loving care and support during Bill’s final years.
Bill’s life and faith will forever be an inspiration to all who knew him.
