William Zachary (“W.Z.” or “Bill”) Weems, Jr., 75, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at his home in Nacogdoches, where he spent his final days surrounded by his close family.
Born in Houston, Texas, on July 30, 1944, to the late Lieutenant W.Z. Weems and Dorothy Cooper Weems, Bill grew up moving frequently, attending high school at Hillcrest High School in Dallas, and graduating from Buchtel High School in Akron, Ohio, in 1962, where he was a competitive swimmer and active in Junior ROTC and Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout at just 16.
Bill attended The Ohio State University and transferred to Texas Tech University in Lubbock where he graduated with a Finance undergraduate degree in 1968 and then law school in Texas Tech’s second graduating class of Juris Doctorates in 1971. While an undergrad at Tech Bill roomed with the late Tom Halbert of Milam, Texas, and Bill married Tom’s big sister Suzy on his 22nd birthday in 1966, a decision he called the very best and “most fortunate” of his life. Following law school, Bill served in the U. S. Army in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and then moved to East Texas where he opened law offices and title companies serving Sabine and San Augustine Counties. After joining his father for a stint in the tire business, Bill returned to East Texas to practice law in Nacogdoches, San Augustine and Sabine Counties until his retirement.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Mary Kate “Suzy” Halbert Weems of Nacogdoches; Daughter Lori of Florida; Sons Jon and wife Amber of Marble Falls, Zac and wife Becky of Nacogdoches, and Rob of Midland; Grandchildren, Lexi, Max, Morgan, Mia, Carlie and Natalie; brother Craig and wife Pamela of Cedar Park, sister Barbara and husband Walt of Dallas; his favorite Aunt Marcie; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill loved golfing, farming, fishing, hunting, eating, travelling, living and -- most of all -- just being with his beloved family who he left with so many precious memories of laughter, love, and life. Bill’s children love and remember him proudly and gratefully for his integrity, honesty, humor, humility and character and his infectious love for the people of his East Texas home. His grandchildren also will always love and remember their “Cockle” and have promised to take care of Suzy, Lori, Jon, Amber, Zac, Becky, Rob, each other and his beloved surviving service dog Buster.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions Bill’s honor to Rotary International or the American Diabetes Association Research Foundation or your local church.
Visitation will be held at Cason-Monk Funeral Home in Nacogdoches from 4 to 6 PM on Thursday evening, June 11, 2020, with graveside services to follow at Halbert Cemetery in Milam, Friday morning at 10 AM.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Don Tucker, Richard Ahrens, Dillard Tinsley, Ricky Brown, and David Price.
Funeral Arrangements under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
