Bill was born in Spearsville, LA on December 14, 1933, and grew up in Epps, LA. He attended Louisiana Tech and earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in mechanical engineering. There he met the love of his life, Betty Nicklas and they were married on December 23, 1956. They were blessed with three wonderful children, John, Natalie & Cathy.
He retired from Beaird Industries in Shreveport Louisiana after working as a Mechanical Engineer for 40 years. He was also in the Army where he served in Germany for 17 months. Bill served faithfully at First Baptist Church Bossier. There he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon & Choir member for over 50 years.
He was affectionately known as Bill, Grandfather, and GF. He and Betty traveled the world by themselves but most often with their friends. Organic gardening was a great passion of his and you would find him in his garden on most days until just a few years ago. He was avid fisherman. He had a beautiful Baritone voice and used it to in all types of settings to glorify God. He loved to work crossword puzzles, was a master at sudoku and solitaire of any type. After retirement he also loved to travel and give his time and skills at building churches with a group called Builders for Christ. He was also a member of the Gideons and loved giving out Bibles. His favorite song was - When We All Get to Heaven (What a glorious Day that will be)!
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Nicklas Crow, his parents Murphy John and Mildred Love Crow; his sisters, Joyce McComb, Evelyn Crow, and Roberta Honeycutt.
Left to Cherish his memory are his two sisters, Jonette Ney and Eloise Seale. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as follows: John Crow and wife Lisa, grandchild Christina Gore and husband Ryan, great grandchildren Gavin, Adelyn and Graham. Grandchild Ashley Joyner and husband Jimmy, great grandchild Mason Patterson. Natalie Gillam and late husband Kenneth Gillam, grandchild Chelsea Gillam and partner Dave Lindquist, grandchild Bronson Gillam and wife Heidi, great-grandchildren Kambri and Kellan. Cathy Gugliuzza and partner David Woodall, grandchildren Andi and Tanner Gugliuzza. Along with many nieces, nephews and their families, and great friends.
It is an honor for his family to be his pallbearers and they are Bronson Gillam, Tanner Gugliuzza, Mason Patterson, Jimmy Joyner, Ryan Gore, David Woodall, Dave Lindquist and Steve Robinson.
Honorary Pallbearers are the late, wonderful, Leroy Faith (his best friend), Charles Adcox, Jimmy Starks, Joe Whitney, Sonny Deprang, Ron Worley, Mike Collins, Jim Perdue, Dan Turner, Dean McCollister, Dr. Fred Lowery, and Ray Raney.
We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Alan Cox, who was not only his doctor but a great friend, Dr. Tyler Lash, Life Path Hospice (all their staff but especially Julie Reynolds), and Tosha Walker.
Bill’s priorities were always Faith, Family and Friends!
Micah 6:8 says “He has showed you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A visitation for William will be held Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 10:00 AM until time for the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of First Bossier, 2810 E. Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111 with Pastor Brad Jurkovich officiating under the direction of Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillCrestMemorialFH.com for the Crow family.
