Reuben "Sully" and Billy Jean Sullivan

Reuben Arthur Sullivan “Sully” (age 89), and his beloved wife, Billie Jean (age 90), passed away late last year (October 9, 2018 and November 16, 2018) within 38 days of each other. They were inseparable and dedicated partners in life for 67 years, since their marriage on December 3, 1950. Mom and Dad were residents of Albuquerque, where they lived for nearly 25 years, in a wonderful home in which they held many joyous family gatherings and events. They were beloved by all because they never met a stranger.

Dad was born on April 16, 1929, in Childress, TX to the late Omer Servant Sullivan (Grandaddy) and Mary Jane (Grandmother) and was the seventh of eight children. Mom was born on September 16, 1928, in Eldorado, AR, the daughter of the late Willis “Cotton” Nichols (Papa) and Eva Marie (Nanny) and was the middle of three children.

Both Billie and Sully were raised during the hard scrabble days of the Depression and were taught to be self-reliant, hard-working and dependable individuals. Dad retired as a Colonel after thirty years of service in the United States Air Force. In retirement, there was no slowing them down. They went on to travel and work in Morocco, as well as establish and run a vibrant upholstery business right up until the last few months of their lives. They worked all the days of their lives and lived a life full of adventure. As a result, Mom and Dad loved to tell stories and their adventures provided many stories to tell and for many to enjoy. They never wanted to be a burden to their children and they never were.

Dad was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his brothers and sisters, Matti Ellen, Sterling, Mary Louise, Avery, Alma, and Roberta. He is survived by his sister, Polly Barker (Waymon) of Lubbock, TX. Mom was preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as her brother, Joseph Nichols; and her sister, Judy Snider.

They are both survived by their loving children, Ann Roberts of Prosper, TX, Linda Sullivan (Mark Schares) of Albuquerque, NM, Nancy Lee Samano (Albert) of Round Rock, TX and Michael Sullivan (Cyndi) of Austin, TX. They are also survived by 12 grandchildren, Scott Roberts, Sharon McClure, Angela Force, Dawn Stanley, Elizabeth Sparks, Alexander Schares, Maritza Teresa Samano, Albert Samano IV, Michael Aaron Samano, Rafael Alejandro Samano, Michael and John; as well as 10 great-grandchildren.

A Reception will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Wyoming.