Willie Balencia Jr., 65, of Goldthwaite, Texas passed away at his home on Friday, July 8th 2022.
He was a follower of Jesus Christ, a devoted Catholic and was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus-Council 10816, Stephenville, Texas.
Willie was born in San Saba, Texas on April 3, 1957 to Willie Sr and Elisa Cisneroz Balencia. During his 9th grade year of school, he decided to join his family’s sheep shearing, pecan harvesting and migrant farming/field harvesting business full time. In 1995, he suffered a severe hand injury but that didn’t stop his determination to provide for his family, that is when he began his self employment journey which included landscaping, land clearing/cleanup, pecan harvesting and much more. He was still working hard up to his last day on earth.
He married his beloved wife, Socorro, on April 26, 1985. They have six children and eleven grandchildren. Juanita and husband Tim Eilers, Gretchen, Collin, Carmen and Caleb. Veronica and husband James Rogers and Aidan. Epifanio and wife Jessica Balencia, Ava and Ian. Geneva Balencia, Mariano (MJ) and Emma. Willie Jesus and wife Courtney Balencia, Mila and Gianna. Mckinley Balencia.
Willie loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. They held a special place in his heart. He loved helping others and always volunteered with church activities and fundraisers.
He is survived by his wife, Socorro; sons, Epifanio, Willie and Mckinley Balencia; daughters, Juanita Eilers, Veronica Rogers and Geneva Balencia; eleven grandchildren; brothers, Henry Sr, Daniel Sr, Joe and Arthur Balencia; sisters, Mary Perez, Lollie Pape, Kathy Sosa, Stella Saunders, Mickey Balencia and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie F Balencia Sr, Elisa Cisneroz Balencia and brother, Arnold Balencia.
Visitation will be held at Stacy-Wilkins Funeral Home in Goldthwaite, Texas on Thursday, July 15, 2022 from 5pm to 7pm and Rosary to follow at 7pm.
Services will be at St. Peters Catholic Church in Goldthwaite, Texas on Friday, July 16, 2022 at 10am. Interment will follow at the Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery.
