Melvin Sterling

Funeral services for Melvin R. (Billy) Sterling,81, of Mexia will be 2 p.m. October 10, 2006 at Calvary Baptist Church in Mexia with Rev. James Hopper, former pastor, and Rev. Bill Wright, Sr. officiating. Interment will be in Shiloh Cemetery. Mr. Sterling was born October 28, 1924 in Limestone County (between Mexia and Wortham) on a farm. His parents were William A. and Evie Fleming Sterling. He Passed away on October 7, 2006 in Mexia. Until he went into the army, Billy farmed and worked at Reuben Sunday's store at Box Car Center. When he returned from the service,he went back to work parttime for the Sundays and was substitute rural mail carrier. He was then hired as carrier-clerk in Mexia postoffice and was assigned a city route. Later he was assigned a rural route which he carried until he retired in 1980. (34 years). After retirement there he worked for Barham Feed Store and Sheffield Farm and Ranch Supply, retiring in 1987. He served in the U. S. Army from March 12, 1943 until his discharge as corporal on December 13, 1946. He served in the European Theatre of Operation, being a truck driver, stationed in France (landed two days ahead of the invasion), then to Belguim, Holland and Germany. He was with the 2490th Truck Co. and received 5 battle stars, 3 good conduct medals and four overseas bars. Billy first joined the Shiloh Baptist Church and then Calvary Baptist Church in Mexia where he served as music director and later as organist. He was the first music director and youth director at Forest Glade Baptist Church after its organization.. For five years he served as treasurer of Bi-Stone Baptist Association and was vice- President and later president of Limestone County Singing Convention, president of Limestone Organ Association and was involved in organization of Shiloh School Home- coming and served as its first president. In 1950 he was elected Secretary-Treasurer of Shiloh Cemetery Association and held that position until 2005 (55 years) when he resigned because of declining health. He was a member of Woodmen of the World and Rural Letter Carrier's Association. In his autobiography Billy writes "I have had a good life and have enjoyed it. I love my family and my friends. I thank God for being my Savior and taking care of me and my family". Mr. Sterling was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Flora Lee Anderson and Alta Mae Sterling and a brother, James Clyde (Jack) Sterling. He is survived by a sister, Willie Faye Roberts of Haughton, LA and nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Harold Roberts, Fred Scarbrough, William Anderson, James Miller, Bobby Neeley and Russell Neeley. Honorary pallbearers are John Barham, Kent Sheffield, Wayman Hullum, Ben Glensman, Derward Cook, Harry Johnson and Cecil McDonald