Billy Edward Kerlee was born in Fort Worth Texas to William Edman and Minnie Lou Arwine Kerlee His parents preceded him in death also his sister Imogene Hulsey.
He worked on the T&P Railroad when he was 17 and became an Operation Officer after finishing college. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad in 1989 as Director of Contracts and leases.
He graduated Poly High School in Fort Worth, TCU, attended Northwestern and graduated Harvard PMD 27.
September 30, 1955, He married Madeline Juanita (Nita) Green and for over 66 years they lived a blessed life. He was drafted into the army eight months into his marriage and they lived in the New Jersey, Maryland, and Hawaii before returning to Texas.
He retired to Star Harbor in 1989 where he enjoyed golf, fishing, family, and traveling in their RV. He served the city as chairman of Building and Zoning councilman and mayor from 2010-2012.
He was a Master Mason for 63 years. He was a member of Athens Chapter 165, The Moslah Shrine Temple, The Scottish Rite Chapter in Dallas and OES 177.
He was active in his church all of his adult life and served in many positions. Since retiring he was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Malakoff.
He is survived by his wife Nita and four daughters and sons-in-law. Sherry and Pete Hicks of Fort Worth, Brenda and Lance Sublett of Keller, Darla and Floyd Bartkowiak of Garland, Annette and Marty Whitted of Keller; seven grand children and eight great-grandchildren.
The service will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 2:00PM at the pavilion in Arwine Cemetery in Hurst, Texas