Billy Brice Hamlin was born in Palacios, TX on July 20, 1933, to Orville Byron Hamlin and Willie Beth Hamlin. Billy and his family moved several times before settling in Palacios where he met the love of his life Dolly Ann Milam (Hamlin) and they married in December 1953. This marriage lasted until his death 61 years later.

Billy is survived by his wife, a son, Walter Hamlin (Barbara) of Palacios, TX., a daughter Lisa Ann McKethan (Darren) of Robinson, TX, his grandchildren Jay Hamlin, Clay Hamlin (Lauren), John Mark McKethan, Kyle Hamlin, Will McKethan (Kaitlyn), Presley McKethan and one great-grandson Samuel Thomas Hamlin.

After graduating from Palacios High School in 1952, Billy attended Wharton Junior College for one year before being drafted into the U.S. Army and he served overseas in the military from 1953-1955. Upon his discharge from the service he and his father opened Hamlin's Minimax Grocery which he operated for the next 48 years. After leaving the grocery business Billy managed The Luther Hotel for 10 years until his retirement in 2011.

Billy was a devout man of God and was a leader in his church, The First Baptist Church of Palacios. He taught Sunday School classes, served as a deacon and participated on numerous committees in his lifelong commitment to the church.

Billy also loved his hometown of Palacios and was an active community leader. He was a member and director of the Palacios Lions Club, a supporter and coach of the Palacios Little League, a member of the Palacios Chamber of Commerce, sat on the Board of Directors for the City State Bank of Palacios, served as Chaplain of the local VFW chapter, a member of the Palacios Cemetery Association, was a volunteer mentor for students of Palacios Junior High School, a founding member of the Palacios Athletic Booster Club. He supported the PHS athletic department and Palacios FFA with both financial donations and as a volunteer. He was chosen as Man of the Year as well as Business of the Year by Palacios Chamber of Commerce and was selected in 2013 as an Outstanding Alumni of Palacios High School.

Besides his family, his church and his community Billy's other love was Baylor University. He was an avid supporter of Baylor athletics and was a season ticket holder for over 35 years.

The family wishes to extend appreciation to all of those who helped him so much the last few months when his health began to fail. Your actions and kindness helped Billy and his family greatly and were much needed and appreciated.

Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Palacios TX from 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday July, 1, 2015. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Palacios at 10 AM on Thursday July 2, 2015 with graveside services to follow at the Palacios Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leafs of Life, C/O Palacios Hospital, 311 Green Ave., Palacios, TX 77465 or the First Baptist Church of Palacios, 202 Main St,. Palacios, TX 77465.