Cecil Walker Billie

Cecil Walker Billie a resident of Kirtland passed from this life on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the age of 70. He was born October 17, 1938 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Kee and Emma (Benton) Billie. Cecil graduated from Kirtland Central High School in Kirtland, New Mexico and received his BA Degree from Ft. Lewis College in Durango, CO. He married Marri Yazzie on July 23, 1963 at the First Baptist Church in Shiprock. Together they had one son, Creighton W. Billie. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1966 during Vietnam. As an avid sportsman, Cecil spent most of his Navy tour of duty as a boxer where he won the 1963 All-Fleet Navy Championship. He was a sparring partner for one time World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis. God will find a spot for Cecil on his team. He loved playing baseball and softball, mainly as a catcher, and coached both sports. Cecil also enjoyed basketball and bowling. His den is aligned with rows of trophies to show his true spirit of competition. Cecil was a member of the Coachman Auto Club in Shiprock. He worked for Kerr McGee and the Public Health Services in Shiprock. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Marri; his son Creighton; and by his brother Marshall. He is survived by his grandson, Creighton Patrick Smith of Farmington; nephews, Timothy and Raven Billie of San Jose, CA; sister-in-laws, Louise Goldtooth and husband John, Mae Sandoval and husband Bert, and Lorena Smith and husband Tom, Sr. all of Shiprock; brother-in-laws, Vern Gilbert and wife Helene of Page, AZ and Leroy Dick and wife Bessie of Farmington; and mother-in-law Jessie J. Yazzie of Beclabito, NM. Following Cecil's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family would like to thank the staff at San Juan Regional Medical Center ICU Unit for the care they provided Cecil. Cecil has been entrusted to the care of Cope Memorial Chapel 404 W. Arrington Farmington, NM 87124 (505)327-5142