Billy Roneil Minatrea

Billy Roneil Minatrea, a longtime resident of Quitman and Mineola, passed away on August 18, 2024 at the age of 87. Billy was born on December 28, 1936, in Grand Saline, Texas to Charles Emery Minatrea and Lottie Minatrea.

Billy was a proud Christian and active member of New Hope Baptist Church. He was very involved in the church, devoting his time to teaching Sunday school and serving his congregation. He was the head custodian and head usher. He always made sure the Sunday School classes had their morning donuts and always had the lights, and heat or air conditioner on when the congregation arrived. Billy was a loyal member of The Encouragers Sunday School Class and always sat on the front row of the Wednesday night Bible Study with Brother Schafer. He loved his church just like his family.

Throughout his life, Billy was known for his dedicated work ethic, having spent years as a route salesman for Mrs. Baird's Bakery in Houston before his retirement in the early 1990s. After retiring to East Texas, Billy found joy in his role with the Maintenance and Custodial department at Mineola Independent School District, where he continued to serve until his second retirement.

He greets in Heaven his parents, Charles Emery Minatrea and Lottie Minatrea; wife, Bertie Minatrea; sons, William Minatrea and Timothy Minatrea; and siblings, Charles Wayne Minatrea, Milfred Minatrea Sr., DeLois Jean Estoll, Della Mae Croan, and Janell Ely.

His unwavering faith and commitment to his family were evident to all who knew him. He leaves behind his four children, Lottie Denman and husband Mark of Pasadena, Tony Minatrea and wife Beverly of Cibolo, Billie Daniells of San Antonio, and Terry Minatrea of Alba; daughter in law, Pamila Minatrea; nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral service to celebrate the life and legacy of Billy Minatrea will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church with Pastor Michael Mize officiating. Billy will be laid to rest next to his wife, Bertie, following the service at Concord Cemetery. 

Serving as pallbearers are the Deacons of New Hope Baptist Church, Nick Denham, Wayne Wansley; and nephews: Ron Minatrea, Kevin Minatrea, Jody Lloyd, and Mike Estoll.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Billy to the New Hope Baptist Church Building Fund at 3855 FM 1801, Mineola, TX 75773 or https://nhbcmineola.com/give.