Funeral services today for former Major League pitcher, coach Billy Muffett of Monroe

Staff report • June 19, 2008

Funeral services for Mr. Billy Arnold Muffett, 77, of Monroe, will be held at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, with Dr. Bill Dye and Rev. Warren Eckhardt officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Muffett retired in November 1994 after 45 years in professional baseball.

Muffett began his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1948. His career was interrupted from 1952-1954 by the military during the Korean Conflict. He pitched for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants. He became pitching coach with the St. Louis Cardinals, California Angels, and the Detroit Tigers. Among his pupils were Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Nolan Ryan, along with Tigers' great Jack Morris. He worked alongside Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson with the Tigers.

Left behind to cherish his loving memory is his wife of fifty-seven years, Janet Lusk Muffett; sister, Donna Jay of Abilene, Texas; a niece in Tampa, Fla.; a nephew in Abilene, Texas; and other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Mark Leath, David Leath, Leslie Denison, Kelly Jay, Casey Jay, and Larry Lusk.

Muffett, Billy Arnold

Published in the Star-Telegram on 6/27/2008.

Billy Arnold Muffett, 77, was called to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 15, 2008, at his residence in Monroe, La.

Funeral: was Thursday, June 19, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, La., Dr. Bill Dye and the Rev. Warren Eckhardt officiating. Interment was in Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Pallbearers were Mark Leath, David Leath, Leslie Denison, Kelly Jay, Casey Jay and Larry Lusk.

Billy was born Sept. 21, 1930, in Hammond, Ind., and moved to Fort Worth at the age of 3. He confessed his faith at North Fort Worth Baptist Church as a young boy. He attended school on the north side of Fort Worth, graduating in 1948, where he participated in track, basketball and baseball.

His love of baseball resulted in a major league career. While playing in Monroe, La., for the Sports, he met and was united in holy matrimony with Janet Lusk of Epps on Dec. 16, 1950.

Billy began his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1948. His career was interrupted from 1952-1954 by the military during the Korean War. He pitched for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants. He became pitching coach with the St. Louis Cardinals, Anaheim Angels, and the Detroit Tigers. Billy retired in November 1994 after 45 years. His commitment to the sport resulted in his earning three World Series rings. He was very proud of this accomplishment. He was a member of the Major League Baseball Player Association and LSU. During his off season, he contributed time to helping young baseball players.

Billy also loved hunting and fishing. He was a loving husband, brother and friend to many. Billy will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Margaret Muffett.

Survivors: Left behind to cherish his loving memory are his wife of 57 years, Janet Lusk Muffett; sister, Donna Jay of Abilene; a niece in Tampa, Fla.; a nephew in Abilene; and other relatives and friends.