He was born on June 30, 1933, in Judson, Texas, the eldest of two sons to William M. and Nellie Dark. Bill graduated from Judson High School, where he played football and was his class valedictorian. He attended Texas A&M University, serving in the Corps of Cadets and earning degrees in Geological Science and Petroleum Engineering in 1954.
After graduating from college, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Myers. The two remained together for 61 years until Wanda’s passing in 2016. Together, they moved to Louisiana and California during Bill’s two years of service with the United States Army and then to Houston, Texas, where he began his career with Humble Oil Company. Bill and Wanda eventually settled in Conroe, Texas, in 1969, where they raised their four children and were active participants in the First Presbyterian Church of Conroe.
While working in the oil and gas, finance, and real estate industries, Bill was known for his passion for business and entrepreneurship. In addition to tenures at Humble Oil and Underwood Neuhaus & Co., Bill was a founding member of numerous companies, including Swift Energy Company, Russian American Petroleum Company (RAPCO), National Bank of Conroe (which later became Woodforest National Bank), Hickory Hills Developments and White Oak Developers, Inc. Bill led White Oak Developers for over 40 years, developing numerous subdivisions in Harris, Montgomery and Liberty Counties.
Bill remained a lifelong Aggie. He loved attending Texas A&M athletic events with friends and family, particularly football games, for which he was a season ticket holder for over forty years. Bill gave generously and was a champion of higher education, helping to sponsor countless students through their academic endeavors. He was a passionate supporter of Texas A&M, especially the College of GeoSciences.
Bill enjoyed playing tennis and passed a love of the sport to his grandchildren as a coach, warm-up partner, and number-one cheerleader. He was an engaged grandfather, regularly attending school functions and sporting events. He was blessed with two additional grandchildren in his last years, and nothing brought as big of a smile to his face as seeing these sweet babies.
The family will hold dear memories from Bill’s 90th Birthday Party this past June, where he danced and celebrated with friends and family. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who dedicated their time to improving Bill’s care and comfort over the past seven years.
Bill leaves this earth to reunite with his parents, William and Nellie; his brother, Joe; his wife, Wanda; and children, Becky and Billy Dark. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Ally Dark; daughter, Cindy Hayley; grandchildren, Amanda, Abby, Allyson, Jacob Hayley, Madison, and Dylan Dark.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas, on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 pm. The family will hold a private graveside funeral service in Longview, Texas, conducted by the Rev. Howard Fadner, a family relative.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Bill can be made to the Texas A&M College of Arts & Science – Department of Geology and Geophysics. To leave condolences for the family, please go to cashnerconroe.com.
