Obituary of Billy Joe Stevens

July 25, 1934 - November 26, 2025

U.S. Veteran

Billy Joe Stevens, 91, of Warren, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Woodville Health & Rehab Center in Woodville, Texas.

He was born on July 25, 1934, in Dry Prong, Louisiana, to Clara Belle Smith Stevens and Warren Stevens. Bill shared 43 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marie Stevens. Their relationship was built on deep friendship, unwavering loyalty, and a love that only grew stronger with time. Together they weathered life’s challenges, celebrated its joys, and created a home filled with laughter, respect, and devotion. Marie was his partner in every sense—his confidant, his constant support, and the love of his life. Their bond was a true testament to commitment and enduring love.

Bill began his career in service to his country in 1953, when he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Airman. During his time in the Air Force, he served as a military policeman, a role that carried great responsibility and required unwavering vigilance. Stationed in Japan, he was entrusted with guarding aircraft and bombs—critical assets that supported American efforts abroad. His dedication and discipline contributed to the mission during the Korean War, and he fulfilled his duties with pride and honor. Bill completed his military career in 1957, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and steadfast service.

After returning home, Bill continued his devotion to protecting others by joining the Beaumont Police Department in 1958. For the next two years, he wore the badge with integrity, serving his community with the same sense of duty and pride that had defined his military years.

Bill loved his country deeply. He embodied the very meaning of an American patriot—steadfast, dependable, and fiercely proud of the nation he served. He often spoke of the honor he felt in being able to protect both his country and his community. His life stands as a testament to loyalty, service, and a genuine love of country. Through every chapter of his career, Bill exemplified what it means to serve with pride, purpose, and heart.

Beyond his years of service to his country and community, Bill lived a life rich with family, tradition, and the simple joys that meant the most to him. He was an avid sportsman, especially passionate about deer hunting. The woods were a place where he felt at home—quiet, steady, and connected to the land. Hunting was more than a pastime for Bill; it was an art, a discipline, and a way of life. He passed this knowledge on with great pride, taking his grandsons into the field and teaching them not only how to hunt, but how to respect nature, honor the traditions of the sport, and appreciate the patience and skill it required. Those mornings spent together—sunrise breaking over the trees, stories shared in the stillness of the woods—became treasured memories that shaped the boys’ lives.

Bill also cherished time with his granddaughters, Britani and Christina. He loved teaching them how to ski, guiding them with the same patience, steadiness, and joy that he brought into every part of his life. Whether helping them find their balance or cheering them on as they gained confidence, he took pride in watching them learn, grow, and enjoy the thrill of gliding across the snow.

A lover of adventure and the open road, Bill traveled across the United States, embracing new places and experiences wherever he went. No matter where he traveled, though, he always carried his favorite traditions with him—especially his love for crawfish. Sharing a good crawfish boil was one of life’s simple pleasures for Bill, a reminder of the flavors and gatherings he held dear. He loved his whole family and was very proud of every single one of them.

In every setting—whether in uniform, in the woods, in the snow, or on the road—Bill lived with purpose, joy, and a heart full of love for his family and his country. His legacy is one of service, tradition, and unforgettable moments shared with those he loved most.

Survivors include his Brother, Max Stevens and his wife Loretta of Bridge City; Daughter, Tressa Lynn Hinton and her husband, Billy of Lumberton; Son, Trae Perfect and his wife Donna of Warren; Wally Anderson and his wife Charlie of Texas City. Grandchildren; Christina Chauvin and her husband, Bradley of Kountze; Britani Kay Hinton and her husband, Brandon Haverland of Buda; Celena Hinton and her partner, Jeremy of Humble; Kolton Perfect and his wife Kimberli of Silsbee; Easton Perfect of Lumberton; and Marc Esway and his wife Samantha of Warren. Great Grandkids; Abigayle Chauvin, Haydyn Hunt, Taryn Hunt, Breana Chauvin, Ada Jo Haverland, Ace Esway, Bryer Esway, Aubry Esway and Adley Esway.

He is preceded in death by parents; wife, Marie Stevens; son, Billy Joe (Joey) Stevens, and siblings; Lee, Stafford, JW, Edwin and Emogene Stevens.

Visitation will begin 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. service time on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home Chapel in Woodville with military honors burial to follow in Fellowship Cemetery in Warren. Officiating will be Chaplain Mike Neel. Serving as pallbearers will be Billy Hinton, Bradley Chauvin, Marc Esway, Kolton Perfect, Easton Perfect, and Wally Anderson.

Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Woodville, Texas.