Billy Lawson Laney Sr.
January 23, 1956 ~ April 28, 2025
Billy Lawson Laney Sr., of Canyon Lake, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 2025, at the age of 69.
Born on January 23, 1956, in Lockhart, Texas, Billy was the beloved son of the late Billy Charles Laney and Juanita Strawn Laney. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and built a distinguished 41-year career as a drilling engineer in the oil and gas industry. He was also a long-time member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Billy is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Kathy Laney; his children, Billy Laney Jr. and Rebecca Miller; his son-in-law, John Miller; and his cherished grandson, Gabriel Miller. He is also survived by his sisters, Sylvia (Chuck) Rader and Cindy (Albert) Kaufmann; his brother-in-law, Ed Nelson; and nieces Kristy (Lawrence) Chao, Kelly (Jeremy) Paltzer, Karrah (Ernest) Torrez, Haley (Lee) DeLaGarza, Shelley (Adam) Harkrider, and Natalee Rader (Jon Bowman). He was preceded in death by his parents.
Billy had a zest for life and a heart full of humor. He was known for his practical jokes and his trademark phrase, “It’s a good day for the race” which always brought smiles and laughter. He loved fishing, especially the annual family trips to Galveston Bay, traveling, and playing games with his family.
He was also musically gifted – an All-State Tuba player and drum major at Victoria High School, and later, a joyful participant in the bell choir at church.
A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 17, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 7420 FM 2673, Canyon Lake, TX 78133. A light lunch reception will follow. His cremains will be scattered in Galveston Bay, a place he loved and shared with family.
Billy’s life was filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion to his family. His warmth, wit, and joyful spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, the memories he created and the love he shared will live on.
Services
Memorial Service: Saturday, May 17, 2025 11:00 am
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
7420 FM 2673
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
830.899.2273
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Our deepest sympathies to the family. It was an honor to have known “Uncle Billy” as we often heard. Billy was such a quiet, kind, and gentle man. His warmth and goodness left a lasting impression of which we are blessed to have known him. May his memory continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration.
for life. He was musically gifted and was the drum major at Victoria High back in the day. Billy was a graduate of
the University of Texas in mechanical engineering and was a drilling engineer in the oil and gas industry. He loved to fish and had a zest for life. We know that many people will miss Billy. May God bless the entire Laney family during your time of loss. We will be praying for the repose of Billy’s soul.