Billy Loland Walts

Billy Loland Walts, 87, of Killeen passed away on October 11, 2013 in a Temple hospital. Services will be held Tues Oct, 15th at 12:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Killeen. Visitation is 2 hours before the service. A meal will be provided for the family. He was born March 13, 1926 in Thornton, TX to John F Walts and Anna (Madry) Walts. He served in the US Army in the medical detachment helping wounded in the line of fire and received a purple heart in WWII when he got shrapnel from a ""screaming mimi"" that landed in the soft ground just a few feet from where he covered a wounded soldier he was helping. At least that's what he always called it when he told the story. From a very young age he learned to play the piano, by ear. Never a sheet of music read. His band ""Bill Walts & The Goodtimers"" were the best dance band around. He would go from table to table at breaktime and meet and greet each and every person that came to dance. Always making sure they got to hear their favorite song so they could hit the dance floor. His wife, LaNell and him could really ""cut a rug"" on the dance floor back in the day. They had a special little side by side dip during the jitterbug that really made them stand out on the dancefloor. Now they are two steppin' in heaven with his son-in-law, Mike Smith playing the guitar. Even last year while he was in the hospital in Waco after he broke his hip, he would still wheel up to the old piano there and surprise everyone around with his playing. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and will be missed by everyone. Preceded his death by his wife of 63 yrs, LaNell Walts on August 23, 2012; thirteen brothers & sisters. Survivors are one son, James Walts of Killeen; one daughter, Billie Smith of Killeen; one grandson and wife, Cody & Kasey Smith of Belton; one great grand daughter, Lauren Nicole Smith of Belton; numerous neices, nephews and inlaws. Burial will be at Killeen Memorial Park. Crotty Funeral Home of Belton is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.Crottyfh.com and post a tribute. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Billy Loland Walts please visit our Sympathy Store.