Billy Engelke

Billy Ray Engelke, 79, of Chilton, reunited with his beloved wife in glory and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 23, 2023. Funeral Services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec 2nd at the First Baptist Church in Chilton with the Rev. Thomas Jones and the Rev. Mark Newton officiating. Burial will follow at the Chilton Cemetery. Visitation with family will be from 11 a.m. -12 p.m. prior to the service.

Billy was born Sept 12, 1944, in Mineral Wells, Tx to Bill and Dorothy (Honeycutt) Engelke. He was a graduate from Chilton High School, Temple Junior College and Baylor University. He married his High School sweetheart, Lynn Goelzer, Sept 3rd, 1965 in Chilton and they celebrated over 58 wonderful years together until her passing earlier this year.

Billy is a veteran of the United States Army where he also worked towards his master’s in accounting. He spent almost a decade working cattle and farming in the Golinda and Chilton areas with his father Bill. Billy then began his career in auditing with the US Department of Agriculture as an Office of Inspector General. He was promoted to the Assistant Regional Inspector General and held that title for 8 years before retiring in 2009. In his 30 years with the government, he earned an Award for Excellence, four Certificates of Merit, and was recognized for having his work highlighted on 60 minutes and included in the President’s Budget!
Billy was an active member of the First Baptist Church for over 50 years. He led faithfully as a Deacon, served as the Church Treasurer, taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir.

Billy was an avid sports fan his whole life! As an athlete, he was a four-year letterman in football, basketball, track and tennis at Chilton High School. He was recognized as All-district in football and basketball, Central Texas back-of-the-week in football twice, appeared on Channel 6 Dub King sports show twice to receive All-Central Texas recognition, and won 2nd in State in Tennis. He received a basketball scholarship to Temple Jr College where he lettered in basketball, tennis and track. In basketball, he led the team in FG and FT percentages and received 2nd team all-conference recognition. He placed 3rd in singles and doubles in the National Tennis Tournament and he was voted Outstanding Athlete of Temple College for 1965. After graduating from college, he continued to compete in a number of top-level local and regional tennis tournaments. He competed in both singles and doubles with numerous partners including his wife, brother, and dad.

Billy was a devoted and loving husband, Dad and Papa. He cheered on his two girls and his 5 grandchildren with excitement and joy! Always ready to add in his own advice or demonstration for improvement. He backed the Pirates as the Quarterback Club President for 10 years and supported his Baylor Bears every opportunity he got. He also enjoyed playing golf and landscaping his beautiful yard!

Billy Ray Engelke is survived by his daughters, Lisa Little (Robert) of Chilton, Amy Koster Bohrer (Zane) of Frisco; grandchildren, Andee Little, Jase Little, Kylie Koster, Jackson Koster, Drew Koster, Jack Bohrer, and Charlie Bohrer; great-grandchild, Harley Rae Hileman. He is also survived by brother Larry Wayne Engelke (Barbara); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Billy Engelke’s memory to First Baptist Church Chilton at www.fbcchilton.org.