William Topping Willis

William Willis of Austin, Texas unexpectedly died September 29, 2007 after an extended illness. Bill was born in Lubbock, Texas to David Carlyle and Margaret Merry Willis on September 5, 1951. Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and loyal friend to many. Bill is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cynthia Willis. Children: Sara Margaret, Emily Francis, & Garrett Topping, all of Austin. Brothers: Scott Remington Willis and wife Sharon of Cypress, Texas, Page Sheppard and wife Cathy of Pattison, TX, and Kyle Boddie and wife Annette of Kennesaw, GA. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. Bill received his undergraduate degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to get his JD from the University of Houston Law School. He was an active business leader, including Cofounder of PriceWaterhouse Austin office and Business consultant to Hart Intercivic, Momentum Software, CFO of Lombardi Software, CFO of Compass Learning. He served on many boards including, Activerse Board, ClearOrbit Board, Jato Technology Board, and Board of Directors at Treaty Oak Bank and Emergent Technologies. Bill was a valued member of the community, actively contributing his time and talents to many civic endeavors, including President of Big Brothers and Sisters, President of Paramount Board, YMCA, and many other non-profit and civic activities. He taught Sunday school for many years at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church as well as recently being elected Elder. Bill had many interests and passions, these included: UT athletics (which was close to his heart), burnt orange (his favorite color), The Colt 45s, Astros baseball through thick and thin, grew up a Houston Oilers fan, now a Houston Texans fan. He added Alabama football to his roster and he was looking forward to the Carolina basketball season. Bill mentored his son for Hill Country Middle School football as well as coached his children’s youth sports teams. He was an avid Thoroughbred racing fan, hosting Kentucky Derby parties for many years. Bill’s sense of humor was renown—his dry wit, ability to “turn a phrase”, he could make others laugh; he could always walk into a group and make them smile, and laugh at their own foibles. He loved to instigate a meaningful debate on any subject. Bill was known for his integrity and loyalty to family, friends and business associates. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Texas Transplant Institute in San Antonio, Texas, specifically Dr. LeMaistre and staff, as well as, Dr. Tokaz at Texas Oncology, and all of the nurses and support staff who supported Bill with compassion and love throughout his health issues over the last 3-4 years. Bill’s family also extends sincere gratitude to Kyle Willis for being his transplant donor. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Cave Road, Austin. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Central Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 9211 Waterford Centre Blvd, Suite 275, Austin, Texas, 78758. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com