Judge Billy Caraway
Judge Billy Caraway, 78, of Hardin County, died Thursday, August 8, 2019. He was born on November 9, 1940, in Silsbee, to Martha Jeffcoat Caraway and Oliver Bruce “O.B.” Caraway. Billy served his country in the United States National Guard and later became County Judge for Hardin County before retiring.
After graduating from Silsbee High School in 1959, Judge Caraway attended Lamar University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1963. While at Lamar, he ran Caraway Grocery just north of Silsbee as a way to pay for college.
In 1966 Billy married Kay Lynn Busby. That year, he also joined the state comptroller’s office as a compliance officer. Judge Caraway and his wife formerly owned The Lumber Company Restaurant and Red Cloud Water Park, both in Silsbee.
In 1992, Mr. Caraway ran a successful campaign for county tax assessor and served until he resigned in 1997, when he decided to run for Hardin County Judge. He was elected as Hardin County Judge in 1998 and served through 2014, when he decided to retire.
Judge Caraway was well liked and respected by everyone who knew him, he never met a stranger. He dedicated his life to public service, and he will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-three years, Kay Caraway; son, Bart Caraway and his wife, Lisa, of Porter; grandchildren, Taylor Caraway of Kingwood and Lauren Perry of Atlanta, Georgia; sister, Wanda Sarver of Rockwall; numerous nieces and nephews; and other extended family and relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, June Caraway Templeton and Frances Sistrunk.
A gathering of Judge Caraway’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 11, 2019, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. The family has requested a private family committal.
Video
Funeral Service
Funeral Service
- 490 cemetery road silsbee tx 77656
- 08/11/2019
- 3:00 pm
- 490 cemetery road silsbee tx 77656
- 08/11/2019
- 5:44 am
Comments
Benny & Sheryl Brocato
We were saddened to learn of Judge Caraways passing . Judge Caraway served Hardin County faithfully for so many years and helped many of us who received damage from Hurricanes Rita and Ike . Rest In Peace Judge . Benny &Sheryl Brocato
Joseph K Vogel
Billy hired me in 1973 after serving in the U.S. Navy. I was in dire need of a job. He was a wonderful boss and friend. He will be missed. Many great memories of Billy.
George and Ann Caraway
I am sadden to hear my cousin pass away. We shared many a memory at Mama Jacks. Billy was a good influence in my life. He will truly be missed. Thank you Lord for the time I spent with Billy Caraway. Kay my prayers are with you. Lord keep you hands on Kay.
Hicks Dunlap
Kay I’m so sorry to hear of the Judges passing. I enjoyed many a good meal at the lumber company and I always enjoyed our courthouse visits. I went in Mama Jack’s this morning and the first thing I missed was him enjoying breakfast and telling tales. God bless you all.
Ed Cain
Judge Caraway was a dear friend and Co- worker. He will be greatly missed. I worked along side of Judge Caraway many days through some trying situations. He always had the best interests of the citizens of Hardin County in mind. He served us all well. God Bless Kay and Bart. Thank you for sharing him.
Pat Richardson - Fort Worth, Texas
Billy and I were friends for over 70 years. I will remember him as a fine example of a public servant. and for his dedication to the citizens of Hardin County. I pray for comfort to all who hold him in their hearts.
Linda Reyes @ Hardin County Tractor
So sad, will miss my long time Friend, always picking at me, making me smile Prayers for his beloved Wife and Family
Mary Adams
Praying God’s comfort for the Family.
Judy Luker
My condolences and prayers. Many memories of a good man.
R.F. "BO" & PAM HORKA
I knew Billy for 70 + yrs watched him star as a basketball player from the bench and worked with him at the courthouse, broke bread at mama jacks and loved to listen to his stories. he was my nextdoor neighbor at our farms until he went big time and moved to his RANCH, i know he loved it there with his prized animals(they will miss him as much as we do). Billy was a great man and accomplished many things in his life and will be remembered and missed by many. KIM & BART our prayers or with you and am sorry we were unable to be there Sunday but had a bad day didn't even go to church. love & prayers BO & PAM
Rob Burgess
I'm very saddened to hear of Judge Caraway's passing. Some of my finest memories are of working for him at Red Cloud Water Park those summers as a lifeguard. He was always kind to me and taught me a great deal. May he rest in peace.
Becky & Rodney Ames
Judge Caraway was a special person and a friend to all that had the opportunity to know him. As Mayor of Beaumont, I had the opportunity to work with the Judge on numerous occasions and especially during issues related to the hurricanes that came our way. Judge Caraway always represented his community extremely well. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the Caraway family. Becky & Rodney Ames