Lee Roy Muller

Lee Roy Muller, 90, of Ballinger passed away Monday, December 28, 2015 at his residence.

He was born June 11, 1925 to Edwin and Willie Mae (Graves) Muller in Tom Green County. Lee Roy started working at Bruce Field at the age of 16. He worked at Bruce Field as an airplane mechanic from 1942 until 1944, when it closed. While at Bruce Field, he met the love of his life, Velma Rice. They were married on September 6, 1943 at 3:00pm and returned to work that evening at 6:00.
After Bruce Field closed, he went into active duty and was stationed at Westover Field in Massachusetts until his honorable discharge in 1946. He came back to Ballinger and re-opened Muller Automotive, where he and Velma owned and operated the business for 43 years. "Happy," as he was known by his family, loved the outdoors. He always wanted to be a pilot. When he was working on the planes at Bruce Field, he would taxi them and lift them off the ground just a little. In 1971, he made his dream of becoming a pilot a reality. He shared his love of flying with his family and friends. He also loved to fish and hunt and loved spending time at his place in the country. He pampered his pecan trees and spent many hours shelling pecans. Earlier this year, while on his place, he was attacked by Africanized bees. He was attacked over two hours, drove himself to the hospital, and amazingly survived over 500 bee stings. He was a strong man. He was also a smart and talented man. He was a fixer, an inventor, a mechanic, a pilot, a cook, a caretaker, a welder, a builder, a gardener, a hunter, a fisherman, a teacher, and a WWII vet. He was a charter member of the 7th Street Baptist Church and served as a deacon for many years. He also was a member of the AOPA and the Commemorative Air Force, and was dedicated to preserving and showing historical aircraft at airshows primarily throughout the U.S. as well as a member of the National Rifle Association and a proud member of the American Legion for 68 years.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Cecil and Edgar Muller; his parents, his wife; Velma “Honey” Muller, and his sister, Jerrie Lewin.

He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Chaney and husband Charles, his granddaughter, Connie Sanderson, and his great-grandson, Easton Sanderson all of Eastland, a brother Eddie Muller of Aubrey, a brother-in-law Roy Rice of Winters, and sisters-in-law; Mildred Caudle of Houston, Naomi Terrell of Abilene, Mary Ruth Rice of Arlington, and Mary Ella Rice of San Antonio. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and many special friends.

A private burial was held, Tuesday, December 29, and a memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, December 31, at the 7th Street Baptist Church in Ballinger with David Williams and Myron Halford officiating.