Billy Thomas Sadler, Sr.

Billy Thomas Sadler, Sr.

June 24, 1932 – June 21, 2021

Billy Thomas Sadler, Sr. was born in Leonard, Texas on June 24, 1932, to James Creed and Una Sue Sadler.  He entered into the presence of his Savior on June 21, 2021 in Rockwall, Texas.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents James Creed Sadler and Una Sue Doty Sadler; sisters Melva, Wilma, Sally and Margaret; and son Billy Thomas Sadler, Jr.  Bill is survived by his wife of 71yrs Lula Mae Sadler; son Randal Lee Sadler (wife Janet Sadler); daughter Pamela Taylor; 7 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by brothers Jerry and James; and sisters Nell and Mary Jo.

Bill grew up in Leonard, Texas, as the oldest of nine children.  He attended grade school there and helped take care of his family.  Bill was always a responsible man; and that started at a very young age.  He spoke of spending a portion of his days in the cotton fields and waiting for his father to get off work at night so he could escort him home in the dark.  His dad was very afraid of the dark.  Bill took the responsibility very seriously as a child; and he did love telling the stories and having a little chuckle about it later in life.  That sense of responsibility and duty in his work remained with him throughout life.  His children remember that he always loved to go to work and be busy.  Bill also thoroughly enjoyed people.  His work was as much about the people as it was about the job at hand.

At the age of 15, Bill moved to Dallas to live with his aunt and find work to help support his family back home in Leonard.  He met a jeweler that hired him and taught him watch repair.  Bill shared fond memories of the job as well as the jeweler.  He looked to his employer as a mentor not only in work, but also in life.

In early Spring 1950, at the age of 17, Bill was out with his cousin and another buddy.  They decided to go to a diner in Dallas.  Upon entering the diner, a beautiful waitress caught the eye of not only Bill but his cousin as well.  His cousin was going on and on about how he was going to ask the waitress out on a date.  Bill looked at him and said “No you are not!  I am going to marry that girl someday.”  On April 15, 1950, just 3 weeks after laying eyes on that pretty waitress for the first time, Bill married her.  Bill and Lula Mae Lovelady Sadler spent 71 years loving each other this side of Heaven.  Their kids, grandkids, family and friends can all speak to the unwavering devotion and unconditional love they shared.  There is no doubt their love will transcend death.  We know Bill is in Heaven now awaiting the day his Sweetheart will join him.

Bill and Lou lived in Dallas and raised three children.  In August 1977 they moved to Daingerfield, Texas.  Here they were able to purchase land and build what was intended to be their forever home.  They did spend the next 20 years in East Texas.  Bill loved the outdoors.  He could be found brush-hogging the pastures, raking and burning pine needles, helping Lou tend the garden, keeping his yard immaculate, or whatever job his hands found to do.  Some of the family’s most precious memories were made in East Texas.  Bill loved to have his family around him any time he had the opportunity.  Time was spent on trips to the lake, camping, fishing, late night card games filling the house with laughter, sharing his love for good ole gospel music (especially the Gaither Family), and indulging in his favorite bedtime snack – a coca cola and ice cream float.

Bill and Lou moved back to the Dallas area in the late 1990’s to be closer to their kids and grandkids.  They settled in Mesquite and were long time members of Berean Baptist Church in Sunnyvale.  Bill was a humble man and carried himself with dignity.  He was always “dressed, pressed and tucked”.  He was always gentle and kind, even when he was teaching you a lesson.  He lived his life by Godly values and was the epitome of a true gentleman in all that he did and said.

He was the absolute sweetest, kindest, and most patient man we have ever known.  Words that aren’t always used to describe masculinity; but accurate, befitting and the perfect description of this man.  He loved God, his wife and his family well.  There is no way to measure our immense loss.  We are comforted in knowing that he is no longer suffering and is now rejoicing in the presence of our Savior.  As his great-grandson so beautifully said, “He is receiving his crown as we celebrate his life”.