Billy Kattness

William Alan Kattness, 72, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior at home, surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after a brief fight with cancer. Known as Billy to his many friends and family, he was a proud, loving son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend. 

Billy was born August 14, 1953, in McGregor, Texas, to Robert William Kattness and Dorothy Jane Kattness. Eager to become a native-born Texan, he was delivered in the doctor’s office on Main Street by Dr. John Thompson. He was raised in McGregor, where he attended the public schools and was a treasured member of the MHS Class of 1971. He loved his hometown; the bonds that were formed would last a lifetime. Even though living in Alaska for 28 years, Billy never missed the chance to attend a class reunion. He also served as a McGregor City Councilman from 1990-1994. 

In 1976, he graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Industrial Technology. He then began several jobs in technical areas and worked as a machinist, which added to his knowledge of all things made with metal. Thus began a career requiring the application of this technical knowledge. 

First came 10 years with Brown and Root in the construction of the Glen Rose Nuclear Power Plant (Comanche Peak); the last nuclear power plant to go “online” in the USA. Followed by Hercules in McGregor, where he was involved with the design, testing, and production of rocket motors used by the US military. Finally, and until retirement in 2018, Billy oversaw the quality control of subcontractors and pipeline repairs with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in Anchorage, a partnership of BP, CONOCO, and Exxon for the delivery of petroleum products 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, AK.

On November 18, 1978, Billy and Jamie Joan Bartlett were married at the First Baptist Church in McGregor. Together they lived in McGregor, Glen Rose, Anchorage, Alaska, and Crawford. They have three children and six grandchildren. In 2022, Billy and Jamie returned to his beloved Central Texas and built their home in Crawford. 

Billy was adventurous, intelligent, inquisitive, talented, generous, and unfailingly kind. It was never enough for him to know what a machine or tool could do; he had to know how did it work? He was able to combine his skills and knowledge of metals into a hobby and short business run as a gunsmith. As a gunsmith, he favored all things Mauser; included was the development and building of his own rifle and wildcat cartridge, the .388 Kattness built on a Mauser action, of course. 

Always a hunter, his years in Alaska provided him with new experiences. From carrying a pistol when mowing the lawn (bears on the prowl) to being airlifted and dropped on the tundra for three days of solo hunting. This was punctuated by his annual flight to Texas (20+ years) for the Opening Day Dove Hunt, which was as much about family and friends as it was about dove hunting. 

He was happiest when repairing or preserving guns in his workshop; he loved supporting his kids’ and grandkids’ sports activities; he found joy in cheering on their hockey teams. 

Billy is predeceased by his parents; in-laws, James Joseph Bartlett and Patricia Ruth Bartlett; brother, John Vincent Martino; nephew, Jon Michael Kattness; nephew, Chad Alan Cox. 

Billy is survived by his bonus mother, Helen Kattness; wife of 47 years, Jamie Kattness; son, Greg Kattness (Audra); daughter, Stephanie Lee; son, Bobby Kattness; grandchildren, Hunter Kattness, Larkin Kattness; Tommy Janes, Ryan Lee, Nylah Lee and Kade Lee; brother, Bob Kattness (Sue); sister, Linda Baker (Kyle); sister, Rhonda Thomas (Doug); sister, Lisa Meador (Gary); brother, Phillip Martino; brother in law, Steve Bartlett (Kathy); brother in law, Scott Bartlett (Sheryl); and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with visitation at 1 pm and Service at 2 pm at Cole Funeral Home, 1113 W. 5th St., McGregor, Texas. 

Billy’s gentle spirit, friendliness, and kind heart touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

For those desiring to honor Billy, the family suggests donations be made to: The McGregor Movement, the McGregor Volunteer Fire Dept, or the charity of your choice.