Billie Ruth Whitaker Fletcher Alford (born July 1, 1930 in San Antonio, Texas) went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on July 17, 2014. She was predeceased in death by Oaklawn Park Thoroughbred trainer James P. (“Big Jim”) Alford. A long-time member of Trinity Church and resident of Hot Springs, Arkansas, she was known as “Miss Billie” at local and West Texas venues for her musical talents at the piano, her engaging personality, and a voice akin to Patsy Cline.

Early career highlights include cutting records in the 1950s and 1060s and being inducted into the West Texas Country Music Hall of Fame for her extensive work and touring with “Jimmie Fletcher and the Drifting Ranch Hands” as well as many other Nashville recording artists. In recent years, she took great delight in playing the piano and singing at various retirement and nursing facilities, including The Atrium and Quapaw Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Alford leaves behind two daughters, Penny Alford and Debra Hurt; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday at Trinity Church 670 Panama Street with Brother Bob Thornton officiating.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the “Billie Ruth Alford Memorial Fund” at Simmons First National Bank in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services, Inc.