Obituary of Billy Dirks

Billy G. Dirks was born on January 12, 1934 to the late Dillard and Edna Dirks. To this union three sons were born. He was the oldest of the three. His two brothers, Willie & Joe Neal preceded him in death. He grew up in Direct, Texas. He attended the schools in Paris, Texas. He entered the US Air Force, and later joined the Army. He served his country for a total of twenty seven years. He was a highly decorated soldier. Among those awards, Billy received the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal along with a host of other honors. He served in both the Korean & Vietnam Wars. During the early part of his career, he met and married Delores White. To this union three children were born. Gia Pleasant (Charles), Tracie Rand (Tony), and Derek Dirks. Upon retirement, he moved to Sulphur Springs where he resided for 35 years. He became a member of the MLK Church of Christ and served until he became ill and moved. Billy also worked for the Hopkins County Sheriff's Department as a deputy and then eight years as sheriff. He was the first African American Sheriff of Hopkins County, and the second African American Sheriff in the state of Texas. He later worked for the North Hopkins Alternative School. Billy was a member of the Local VFW, and a devoted member of Hopkins County where he served on the Hospital Board, the Chamber of Commerce Board, and helped with many other civic organizations. He is survived by his wife, Delores. He has three surviving children and five grandchildren, along with a host of nieces and nephews.