Mrs. Spradlin died Monday, August 15, 2016 in Kilgore, Texas at her home surrounded by her family.
Betty was born to the late Georgia and Tyler Bird of Longview on May 17, 1937. She graduated from Longview High School and was a Rangerette at Kilgore College. In 1956, she married the late Ronald E. “Sonny” Spradlin of Kilgore. Married for 59 years, until his death, he still called her “Little Girl” and she still referred to him as “Her Hero”.
After her sons went off to college, Betty began raising Racing Quarter Horses. She was passionate about the sport, choosing the right stud for her Mares and seeking to produce winners, which she did. Willie Nelson, her first born, was named with permission from the Country Music Legend himself. However, when Betty sent in the registration to the Texas Quarter Horse Association, she was informed that the name had been used. So, Betty again approached Willie Nelson saying, “I need to know your middle name, someone has already used ‘Willie Nelson.’” Ever the gentleman, Willie told Betty that he didn’t give out his middle name. Eventually, the name was registered and Willie Hugh Nelson went on to become the 1991 TQHA’s Breed Mare of The Year. Her successful offspring included Willie’s Lillie and Sis B Fast, to name a few.
(Rader Funeral Home Kilgore Internet)
Betty was born to the late Georgia and Tyler Bird of Longview on May 17, 1937. She graduated from Longview High School and was a Rangerette at Kilgore College. In 1956, she married the late Ronald E. “Sonny” Spradlin of Kilgore. Married for 59 years, until his death, he still called her “Little Girl” and she still referred to him as “Her Hero”.
After her sons went off to college, Betty began raising Racing Quarter Horses. She was passionate about the sport, choosing the right stud for her Mares and seeking to produce winners, which she did. Willie Nelson, her first born, was named with permission from the Country Music Legend himself. However, when Betty sent in the registration to the Texas Quarter Horse Association, she was informed that the name had been used. So, Betty again approached Willie Nelson saying, “I need to know your middle name, someone has already used ‘Willie Nelson.’” Ever the gentleman, Willie told Betty that he didn’t give out his middle name. Eventually, the name was registered and Willie Hugh Nelson went on to become the 1991 TQHA’s Breed Mare of The Year. Her successful offspring included Willie’s Lillie and Sis B Fast, to name a few.
(Rader Funeral Home Kilgore Internet)
Mrs. Spradlin died Monday, August 15, 2016 in Kilgore, Texas at her home surrounded by her family.
Betty was born to the late Georgia and Tyler Bird of Longview on May 17, 1937. She graduated from Longview High School and was a Rangerette at Kilgore College. In 1956, she married the late Ronald E. “Sonny” Spradlin of Kilgore. Married for 59 years, until his death, he still called her “Little Girl” and she still referred to him as “Her Hero”.
After her sons went off to college, Betty began raising Racing Quarter Horses. She was passionate about the sport, choosing the right stud for her Mares and seeking to produce winners, which she did. Willie Nelson, her first born, was named with permission from the Country Music Legend himself. However, when Betty sent in the registration to the Texas Quarter Horse Association, she was informed that the name had been used. So, Betty again approached Willie Nelson saying, “I need to know your middle name, someone has already used ‘Willie Nelson.’” Ever the gentleman, Willie told Betty that he didn’t give out his middle name. Eventually, the name was registered and Willie Hugh Nelson went on to become the 1991 TQHA’s Breed Mare of The Year. Her successful offspring included Willie’s Lillie and Sis B Fast, to name a few.
(Rader Funeral Home Kilgore Internet)
Betty was born to the late Georgia and Tyler Bird of Longview on May 17, 1937. She graduated from Longview High School and was a Rangerette at Kilgore College. In 1956, she married the late Ronald E. “Sonny” Spradlin of Kilgore. Married for 59 years, until his death, he still called her “Little Girl” and she still referred to him as “Her Hero”.
After her sons went off to college, Betty began raising Racing Quarter Horses. She was passionate about the sport, choosing the right stud for her Mares and seeking to produce winners, which she did. Willie Nelson, her first born, was named with permission from the Country Music Legend himself. However, when Betty sent in the registration to the Texas Quarter Horse Association, she was informed that the name had been used. So, Betty again approached Willie Nelson saying, “I need to know your middle name, someone has already used ‘Willie Nelson.’” Ever the gentleman, Willie told Betty that he didn’t give out his middle name. Eventually, the name was registered and Willie Hugh Nelson went on to become the 1991 TQHA’s Breed Mare of The Year. Her successful offspring included Willie’s Lillie and Sis B Fast, to name a few.
(Rader Funeral Home Kilgore Internet)
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
