Billy Lynn Hamilton passed peacefully at his home in Lorena, Texas, on May 9, 2026, at the age of 79.

Billy was born on December 10, 1946, in Mexia, Texas, to Glenn and Imogene Hamilton. One of six children, he grew up in Forrest Glade near Mexia, where he attended school and graduated from Mexia High School in 1965.

He began his career working in the food industry before eventually finding his calling as a pawnbroker. Over the years, he managed multiple pawn shop locations for organizations including: Big State Pawn, Cash America Pawn, and EZ Pawn. In 1998, Billy fulfilled a dream of his own by opening and operating US Pawn and Billy Bob’s Pawn. He genuinely enjoyed the pawn business and the countless people he met along the way, but his true passion was always rodeo.

Billy was an exceptional horseman from an early age, and his talent and love for horses were evident every time he stepped into the saddle. In 1983, he began his rodeo career alongside his “patna,” Sammy Catalena, with The Catalena Rodeo Company as a pick-up man, working beside his lifelong friend John Richter. After years on the rodeo circuit, Billy founded Thunder River Rodeo Company in 1991, which he proudly operated until his retirement and final rodeo in Clifton, Texas, in 2021.

To know Billy was to know rodeo. He embodied the integrity, grit, and respect that define the cowboy way of life. Over the years, he produced rodeos for numerous organizations, including THSRA, TJHRA, TSPRA, All Aggie, Sheriff’s Posse, and countless open shows. Billy deeply valued the rodeo community and was committed to mentoring young cowboys and cowgirls, passing down not only knowledge of the sport but also the values that came with it. His legacy will live on in the hearts of the many lives he touched in and out of the arena.

Billy is survived by his wife, Nelda; his daughter, Heather; sisters Linda Enstrom and Sheryl Chatham; grandson Kaison Hoffman; “adopted” sons James Hoffman and Cole Witt; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Imogene Hamilton; his sister, Jo Gwen Bayless; and his brothers, Glenn and Larry Hamilton.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Providence Hospice — especially Judy, Flor, and Luke — for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during Billy’s final days.

To John, Missy, Debbie, Adrian, Shawn, JD, and Cole — thank you for your visits, stories, laughter, and for giving Billy the opportunity to relive so many cherished rodeo memories in his final days.

To his sister, Sheryl — your love, care, and unwavering support during this time will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held at Grace Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the service following at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Lorena Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Cole Witt, Shawn Henderson, Kaison Hoffman, James Hoffman, Glenn McMillan, and Nolan Enstrom.

Honorary pallbearers will be John Richter and Adrian McDonald.

“There’s no more long hard days,

No more calves to tag or colts to break.

And there’s one less hat in the arena tonight,

But his entry fee’s been paid.

And now there’s hoofprints on the streets of gold,

’Cause today God called a cowboy home.”