Mr. Billy Joe Harrist, age 64 of Carthage, Texas formerly of Giddings, Texas passed away on Friday afternoon, July 28, 2006 at his residence in Carthage after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Giddings.Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

Billy Joe Harrist was born on November 16, 1941 in Yazoo City, Mississippi to Boyd and Hazel Williams Harrist. Mr. Harrist graduated from Carthage High School in 1959 and attended Panola College for two years earning his associate degree. He served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He married Carol Dennis in 1990 in Roswell, New Mexico. Mr. Harrist worked as a Mud Engineer. He spent over 20 years of his life in the Giddings, Texas area where he owned the Longhorn Pub off of Highway 290 East. He also drove a truck for three years for L&F Manufacturing in Giddings. Billy Joe lived life to the fullest. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Harrist is survived by his wife, Carol Harrist of Carthage, Texas; two sons, Billy Joe "Blu" Harrist, Jr. and wife Stephanie of Carthage, Texas and Ricky Fulcher, Jr. and wife Angla of Giddings, Texas; two daughters, Shawna Matti and husband Bernie of Switzerland and Jesseca Ard and husband Claude of Carthage, Texas; four grandchildren, Cory and Samantha Harrist, Lane Ard, and Kaylee Fulcher.

If desired, memorials may be made to Greater Hospice of Texas, Inc., 1905 West Loop 281, #81, Longview, Texas 75608 or Overton Brooks V.A. Medical Center (Cancer Division), 510 East Stoner Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101-4295.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2006 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. in Giddings, Texas.