James E. “Bill” LeMay, 76, of Lake Coleman, died Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman.  The family will host a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 West Pecan Street in Coleman.  Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Bob Martin, pulpit minister at Elm Street Church of Christ, officiating.  Interment will be in the Coleman City Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home.

He was born James Ervin LeMay on October 15, 1944 in Coleman to James Peerson “J.P.” “Jake” LeMay and Ann Mae McMillan LeMay.  Bill grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School in 1963.  Bill attended Odessa Junior College on a golf scholarship.  In 1966, Bill was drafted into the United States Army and served as a M.P. in Okinawa, Japan.  He was awarded the U.S. Army Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with rifle and pistol.  While in Okinawa, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Lavarle Brooks—surprised them both!

Bill came back home to Coleman after being honorably discharged from the Army, where he married Kay Hollingsworth in 1971.  He worked several years as the produce manager for M-Systems Food Stores and for Jeff Lefevre at Jeff’s Meat Market.  Bill was the pro at the Coleman Country Club golf course and also worked for the City of Coleman as Sergeant in the Police Department for four years.  Bill then went to work for Lone Star Gas in the transmission division.  He stayed there through many changes of ownership, retiring in 2008.

Bill loved and cherished God, his country and his family.  He enjoyed playing golf and won the club championship four times.  He also enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He was a member of the N.R.A., the Coleman Gun Club.  Bill was an active member of the Elm Street Church of Christ, where he served as the foyer greeter and helped to serve communion to the congregation.

His parents and a sister, Martha Ann LeMay, preceded Bill in death.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kay LeMay of Lake Coleman; one son, Clint LeMay and wife, Kendall of Andrews and one brother, Joe Dan LeMay and wife, Laura, of Levelland.  Also surviving are two grandchildren, Rhett and Rhyder LeMay, both of Andrews and several nieces and nephews, including Amanda and Bobby Neal of Levelland and their children, Paisley and Sheridan.

The family of Bill LeMay would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the staff at Holiday Hill and the Allen Center for their love and care of Bill these last two years.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Food Pantry at Elm Street Church of Christ, P. O. Box 998, Coleman, Texas 76834 or the Alzheimer’s Association.

The funeral service will be live-streamed and available to view for 90 days.  Go to www.stevensfuneralhome/obituary/Bill_LeMay, and the service can be viewed at the bottom of the page.

Remembrances, condolences and messages of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.stevensfuneralhome.com.  Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the LeMay family.