Bill Walston

Bill graduated from Oakwood High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army for three years at Fort Bliss in El Paso. Following his military service, he moved to Pasadena to work for Shell. Bill eventually settled in the Tyler area where he devoted 33 years of service to Kelly Springfield Tire Company. He was an active member and later Commander of the American Legion in Troup, a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Texas, and a volunteer at Meals on Wheels in Whitehouse, where he made many life long friends. He continued his giving spirit by donating his body to UT Southwestern Medical Center for medical research.

Bill was an avid square dancer, and traveled with his family to competitions. In 1990, Bill married Shirley Brenk, and shared 36 wonderful years together filled with love, laughter, and lots of two steppin'. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures-taking friends and family out to dinner, playing dominos, and spending time with his pups-Sasha, Cinnamon, and Lucy. Visits from his family always put a smile on his face. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in his lasting legacy and the many lives he touched throughout his 91 years.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Molly Walston; son, Richard Walston; sister, Joy Thompson; and his brother, Benny Walston.

He is survived by his beloved wife Shirley Walston; children Jeff Walston (Eva) of Whitehouse; Shontay (Darryl) Sturrock of Hawkins; Patrick Walston (Tina) of Little Rock; Matt Brenk (Nancy) of Needville; Bart Brenk (Cristy) of Beasley; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 2:00 PM at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 East First Street in Tyler, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital.