William James Monk

William "Billy" James Monk, 66 of Glenn Heights, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at his home. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 29, at South Side Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin Ueckert officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Billy was born in Abilene, Texas to Roy and Ellon (Leggett) Monk on January 6, 1943. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1961, and Texas Tech University with a B.A. in Physical Education and History. He was a softball umpire for 46 years. He umpired in three (3) T.A.A.F. State Fast Pitch Championships, three (3) T.A.A.F. State Slow Pitch Championships, one (1) T.A.A.F. State Boys' Fast Pitch Championships, six (6) ASA State Fast Pitch Championships, five (5) ASA Regional Fast Pitch Championships, three (3) ASA National Fast Pitch Championships, one (1) ASA National Girls' Fast Pitch Championship, one (1) US Olympic Festival Men's Fast Pitch Championship, one (1) Pan American Trials Fast Pitch Championship, the First NCAA Women's Fast Pitch Championship, one (1) Tri-Nation Friendship Series, and one (1) International Softball Federation Girls Fast Pitch Championship. In 1979 Billy received the International Softball Federation Certification, in 1986 Charter member National Umpire Indicator Fraternity, NCAA Division 1 Series Umpire. 1980-1986 Served as the T.A.A.F State Commissioner, Boy's and Men's Fast Pitch, 1984-1986 Served as T.A.A.F. State Commissioner, Boy's and Men's Church Fast Pitch, 1984-1986 Served as the T.A.A.F. State Commissioner, Women's Fast Pitch, 19841986 Served as a T.A.A.F. Regional director, 1984 Served on the T.A.A.F. Executive Board. In 1991 umpired World Junior Olympic Championship in Australia. In 1993 inducted into the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame, Recipient of the Wilson Sporting goods Award of Excellence. From 1983 -2009 he served as the Metro Dallas ASA Umpire in Chief, and on January 16, 1997 was inducted into the T.A.A.F. Hall of Fame. While carrying out all of his duties of umpiring, Billy found time to attend the Texas Ranger Baseball games. Billy had season tickets since the 1980's, but he attended every Opening Day Game since 1974 except last year due to his illness. He did attend this year with the help of his loving wife, Pam. Memberships and organizations included the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, Amateur Softball Association, International Softball Federation, and the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. His church was The Oaks in Red Oak, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Monk; brother-in-law, David Copeland; nephew, Chad Copeland; father-in-law and mother-in-law Smitty and Frances Tarrant; and sister-in-law, Suzy Zimmermann. Billy is survived by his mother, Ellon Monk Jones of Abilene; his wife of 28 years, Pam Tarrant Monk of Glenn Heights, Texas; two daughters, Marda Monk of Grand Prairie and Katie Monk of Denison; one son, Will Monk and wife Cathy of Allen; one stepdaughter, Paige Parks of Wichita Falls; grandchildren, Brianna and Haydn Faison of Denison, and LuLu Monk, Trey Monk and Juliet Monk of Allen; and step-granddaughter, Jordan Parks of Wichita Falls. Survivors also include his sister, Vicki Copeland of Abilene; brother-in-law; Brian Tarrant and wife, Lana of Louisiana; nephews, Craig Copeland and wife Sheila, Cody Copeland, and Brian Zimmermann; niece, Grace Tarrant; one aunt, Louise Martin of Abilene; first wife, Marian Monk of Rockwall; stepbrothers, Dale Jones and wife Darlene, Charles Jones, and Kenneth Jones all of San Angelo; numerous cousins and longtime friends; and special companion, "Chewy", his faithful dog.