Billy enjoyed drag racing and wood working. He was best known as a jokester, always playing jokes and having a good time. He was also known to drop anything to help a friend or family member in need.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Avenia Koonce; wife, Dixie Koonce; and brother, Leslie Lee Koonce.

Billy is survived by sons, Gerald D. (fiancée Cindy) Koonce of Houston, Texas and Billy G. (Gayle) Koonce, Jr. of Austin, Texas; sisters, Loretta (Jay) Flowers of Vidor, Texas and Betty Ann Koonce of Vidor, Texas; brother, Bo (Peggy) Koonce of Orange, Texas; grandchildren, Sean Koonce and Rachael Creagar; good friend and fellow prankster of 50+ years, Thomas Knight; and riding buddy and good boy Duke.

A funeral service was held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Henneke Funeral Home with Deacon John Glueck officiating. Burial followed in Cheetham Cemetery in Sheridan, Texas. A visitation was held Thursday from 5–7 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers: Gerald D. Koonce, Billy Koonce, Jr., Thomas Knight, Bo Koonce, Jimmy Vanek and Billy Strong.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 2500 Fondren St., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77063.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.