BILLY WARE

In the early afternoon hours of April 25, 2025, Warden Billy Ray Ware gained wings leaving this world and into the waiting and loving arms of his beloved wife, Juanice "Niece" Ware. Born August 25, 1934, in Rosevine, Sabine County, Texas, to mother Ethel Taylor Ware and father James Ware. He was also welcomed by half-brother Curtis Lane. Warden Ware was reared in Rosevine, Sabine County, Texas, where he attended Rosevine Elementary School and Bronson High School. On April 24, 1953, he married the love of his life, Wilma Juanice Drawhorn in Nacogdoches, Texas. They were happily married for 71 years until her death in October, 2024. 

With Juanice's encouragement and the help of her uncle, S. A. Kerr, Billy and Juanice moved to Huntsville, and Billy enrolled in SHSTC in the fall of 1953. Warden Ware graduated from SHSTC in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and later with a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice in 1979. Upon graduation in 1956, Warden Ware went to work for the Texas Department of Corrections in the Department of Classification and Records working under Leon Hughes. 

During this time, Billy joined the U. S. Army in advance infantry. He was stationed in and trained in Ft. Ord, California, and Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. He was honorably discharged in 1961. Upon his discharge, he returned to Huntsville and TDC, remaining in the Army Reserves for 51⁄2 years. 

Warden Ware retired from TDC in 1989 after an illustrious career that included 1973-Assistant Director of Classification Records; Parole Office for 6 years prior to 1973; one year at the Commission of the Blind; Director of Classification; and Warden at Diagnostic for 9 years. Warden Ware was the first Intrastate Administrator on Detainers appointed by the Governor of Texas. 

The Wares enjoyed 71 years of marriage. They built a lovely home on Southwood Drive; enjoyed traveling with friends; enjoyed gambling at Coushatta; and enjoyed the horse races in Lafayette. Warden Ware is survived by a host of friends and colleagues, ex-employees as well as family members...that includes nieces and nephews that he was very close to. 

Warden Ware was a lifelong Bearkat Athletic Supporter especially enjoying football and basketball sporting events. He was planning on purchasing his football tickets for the fall 2025 season, even though he had no intention of attending the games in Houston. He attended the games at NRG until 4 seasons ago. He was also a Life Member of the SHSU Alumni Association. 

Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Warden Ware's name are asked to make them to the Texas Prison Museum, 491 Hwy 75 N, Huntsville, Texas 77320. 

Billy is survived by his nieces, Donna Drawhorn Kaszynski and her husband John of Horseshoe Bay, Texas. and Marianne Blackstock of Austin, Texas; along with his nephews Danny Paul Drawhorn and his wife Diane of Winnie, Texas and Ricky Karl Drawhorn and his wife Robin of Scotts Mills, Oregon, Jaxson Reed Blackstock of Houston, Texas and John Clifton Blackstock and his wife Elizabeth of Lumberton, Texas.

The services were conducted at the Heritage Oak Funeral Home, Huntsville, Texas, Friday, May 2, 2025. The Reverend Reagan Cooksey will officiate. Burial followed at the Rosevine Cemetery in Rosevine, Sabine County, Texas. He was laid to rest by his beloved wife, Juanice.