WILLIAM (WILLIE) LEE STRICKER

William (Willie) Lee Stricker, 70 years old, joined his wife Billie Stricker in the Kingdom of Heaven on January 28th, 2022. Willie was born on February 4th, 1951, in San Antonio, TX to Adolph Julius Stricker and Harriett Buck Stricker. He married Billie Lynn Smith on August 23rd, 1975, and they were married for 42 years when she passed away. They spent most of their marriage in Pipe Creek, TX where they raised their 3 daughters.

Willie was known for his abilities as a horse trainer, farrier, and operating a trail riding service. He also served in the Air Force Reserves as a Parachute Packer. While serving in the Air Force Willie became well known for his checker playing skills and his fast hands in the boxing ring. Willie was a devoted husband, dad and mentor for his grandchildren and son-in-laws. Willie was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and his light shined everywhere he shined everywhere he went. He may have made his living with horses, but he will be remembered for his ability to make everyone smile and laugh through his pranks (like cutting the stinger off of a scorpion’s tail and placing it under his hat so he could pull it out at just the right time), and stories that never seemed to stay exactly the same every time they were told. One of his greatest skills was the ability to make what he had work no matter the situation or what he had to work with. It is because of this that his daughters were more skilled than most of the young men that used to try to date them. He loved to be with his grandchildren and would travel all over watching them participate in their sporting events, stock shows, or whatever they were involved in.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph Julius Stricker and Harriett Inez Buck; his siblings, Annie Katherine Ellis, Preston Mathias, Alice May, Linden Rhea, Walter Edward and Charles Howard. Also, preceding him in death was the love of his life, Billie Lynn Stricker. They are now reunited and dancing on the streets of gold, as they loved to dance together.

He is survived by his 3 daughters, Shawnee Bilbrey and husband Keith, Tomeika Brown Scruby and husband Reed, and Tasha Bradley and husband Jason; and his siblings, Adolph, Jr. and wife Tara, Rose Parker, Inez Timmons and husband Bruce, Laura Pichot (late husband Dennis), Deborah Sutton and husband James, Janet Evans and husband Mike and Lou Varner and husband Donald. Willie is also survived by eleven grandchildren who were his absolute pride and joy.

One last thought; The old saying goes “You are only as good as your last race.” For the record, the last horse race that Willie entered was in Sam Houston Race Park on Thursday January 20th just 8 days before he left us. His horse’s name was Smoothee Lee and he came from the back of the pack to take the victory. Just like his last race, Willie was and always will be a true champion. Forever in our hearts, we love you PaPa.

Memorial Service will be held at Ridin’ The River Cowboy Fellowship in Bandera on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 3pm. Memorial donations may be made to the The Church at Boerne or Riding The River Cowboy Church.

Condolences can be made at www.wrightsfuneralparlor.net Funeral arrangements are under the care of Wright’s Funeral Parlor, Kerrville.