Billy "Sonny" Bever Obituary

Billy “Sonny” Lloyd Bever, of Groesbeck, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 73, with his earthly life ending at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Church on the Rock in Groesbeck.

His Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Church on the Rock, with multiple speakers and vocalists. Burial will follow in Fort Parker Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jeff Melasky, James Vincent, Caleb Willis, Cody Adams, Kyle Hughes and Jason Garner. Honorary bearer: Danny Dupree.

Billy (Sonny) was born January 30, 1952, to Bill Bever and Shirley (Carter) Johnson in Groesbeck. He grew up as an outdoors boy, enjoying hunting and fishing, and being on the water. Sonny played football at Groesbeck High School and graduated in the Class of 1970.

Billy was united in marriage with Cynthia Harrison on May 6, 1977, in Limestone County. They lived in Limestone County, where they raised two sons, for the rest of their lives.

He loved his boys fiercely and supported his sons in whatever they did and taught them to love hunting, fishing, church and entrepreneurship.

Sonny gave his life to Christ when he and Cynthia were saved at Groesbeck Christian Fellowship in 1979, under Pastors Bob and Woody Johnson and discipled under Melvin Formby. A few years later, he was a care-group leader at Church on the Rock in Waco, and he and Cynthia trained other care-group leaders.

In December 1989, Sonny was ordained by the Church on the Rock, Waco and started the Church on the Rock in Groesbeck at the end of January 1990, which was started with a $2,300 love offering, where he has remained as Pastor for over 30 years.

Sonny was an entrepreneur for the past 45 years, with his “Rise and Shine” construction and roofing company, which he began with a ladder borrowed from the church and his wife Cynthia as his first helper. He raised his boys helping in the business and they grew up able to do anything he did, working hard and as entrepreneurs.

He and his brother-in-law, Jay Smith were involved in the 4th of July Fireworks displays at Lake Limestone, which he then brought to the church and which Jay brought to the whole City of Groesbeck. He had a gift for bringing people together, which he showed through the unforgettable Fourth of July celebrations he hosted.

His other businesses included hay baling, private investments, selling knives, fishing guide service, bail bonds, and supporting many private business activities of others. He also was very active in ways that did not involve making money, such as his prison ministries, the church food pantry, and children’s outreach.

His grandchildren were his world. He never missed a game they were in, dance recital, band performance, or other activity, and he also taught them all about hunting and fishing, He was blessed to baptize each grandchild.

Billy – Sonny – is “Known in the Gates” – here on earth and in heaven.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Carter Johnson and his father, Reuben Thompson.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Bever of Groesbeck; son and daughter-in-law, Sonny Lloyd Bever and wife Erin of China Spring; son, Donnie Bever of Groesbeck; grandchildren, Tyler Bever of Carrollton, Cadence Bever of China Spring, Jace Bever of China Spring, Kasey Bever of Groesbeck, and Kyle Bever of Groesbeck; his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Jay Smith of Groesbeck; stepfather, Robert Johnson of Groesbeck; and nieces, nephews, extended family and church family.