Billy Wayne Harmon

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Billy Harmon, age 91, of Bastrop, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers or tree planting, the family is planning a memorial at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made through Venmo. 

Venmo: @BillyHarmonMemorial

Billy Wayne Harmon was born on July 9th, 1933 in Holland, Texas to William Davis and Mabel Cecil (Astin) Harmon. He was the first of three boys, followed by Glenn Ray and Roy Milton. After a few moves around Bell County, they laid their permanent roots in Smithville, Texas. 

His love for having the best and the fastest form of transportation started at an early age, with his bicycles, to motorcycles, then to his hot-rod cars to which he became known for. He discovered his life long passion and love for horses as a teen, working for Walter Gray; training, exercising, and jockeying.  

Before graduating high school and without his parents permission, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Aboard the USS Menifee he traveled from California to Hawaii, then overseas to Korea, Okinawa, Japan, China, and The Philippines, among others- as listed on his leg…along with many other ‘permanent souvenirs’ that he acquired throughout his service.

Soon after returning stateside, he followed his first passion and attended trade school to become a certified mechanic. He still found the time for fun, often at “Big Annie’s” (later known as Watterson Hall), where he came to meet the love of his life, Ann. 

Not long after, in 1957, they said their I-do’s. The first of their three biggest blessings was brought into the world in March of 1958, Judy Lynn. Becoming the tomboy of the family, Judy went on to ride motorcycles, which Billy took part in, right beside her. Their second daughter, Janet Gail, was born in March of 1960. Sharing their passion for horses, Janet became active in the rodeo scene where Billy supported her through each and every endeavor, even becoming involved with the local rodeo arena. Eight years later, in March of 1968, the caboose of the family, Michelle Renee, was born.  Being the youngest, you can only imagine what she partook in.  Though they only had three children of their own, their door was always open. Sometimes not knowing whom might be there the next morning for breakfast.  Everyone was accepted in the Harmon home, many even lived with them, through the years.

Billy helped build and establish Sharp Propane, where he retired after many years.  Throughout these years, with a little more freedom, Billy and Ann, were able to travel and see new parts of the country on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.  Although his venture began in the 80’s, after retirement he was finally able to fulfill his lifelong dream and fully commit to being a successful owner of champion race horses and eventually move to Ruidoso, New Mexico full time. After many wonderful and memorable years, he returned to Bastrop County after Ann’s passing in 2009. 

Several years later, while visiting The Bastrop Senior Center, he met his companion, Marjorie Mogoyne.  She remained by his side for the remainder of his days.

Whether you remember him as B.W., Billy Wayne, Hurricane Harmon, Billy Butane, Buddy, Daddy, PawPaw, or something else you might have called him; just know that man, with the heart of a thoroughbred and the strength of a lion will continue to be with us and watch over us forever.

Billy is survived by his brother, Roy Harmon (MaryLynn), his three daughters, Judy Moore (Tharon), Janet Miller (Larry), and Michelle Bencomo (John), his grandchildren Tara, Ashley, Loren, Ally, Justin, Alexis, and Logan, his many great-grandchildren, as well as his bonus families, Randy Spencer, The Earp’s (Mary, Russell, Harley, & Steeley), and The Mutschink’s (Earl & Veronica).

Billy’s nephew, Perry Gregory, is officiating the services.

Pallbearers: Logan Spencer, Randy Spencer, Larry Miller, John Bencomo, Tharon Moore, Justin Slater, Russell Earp & Toby Homuth.

Honorary Pallbearers: Roy Harmon, Earl Mutschink, Charles McCullough and Frank Dewitt