William "Bill" Herschel Choice Jr.

Born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to William Herschel Choice Sr. and Lorene Marie Jones, Bill grew up with a love of music, adventure, and the outdoors - passions that shaped every chapter of his life.

An avid guitarist, Bill brought people together through music. His fingers danced across the strings to the songs of the Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and James Taylor, turning every gathering into a sing-along filled with warmth and joy. Playing with his band, The Radiants, in college, he continued throughout life sharing with his children and grandchildren his love of music with ‘performances’, writing songs and teaching chords.

Not only did Bill have an amazing knack for creativity and the spirit for adventure, he was also an entrepreneur. A proud graduate of The University of Texas, graduating in 1967 (Hook ’em Horns!) with a BS and an MBA. He began his career with Arthur Anderson and Co., eventually becoming a partner in the consulting division. In 1978 Bill started an oil and gas investment company focused on assisting independent petroleum companies in financing exploration and development projects. In this endeavor, he participated in the drilling and completion of numerous oil wells in Oklahoma and along the Texas Gulf Coast.

In the mid-1980s Bill expanded his company into ENERFIN Corporation. Working with large investment enterprises and major insurance companies, ENERFIN acquired proven oil reserves and petroleum operating facilities throughout the U.S. In 1989, Bill, at age 46, sold ENERFIN to Conoco Petroleum and decided to take a break from the working world.

This began an eleven year around the world voyage on his 47-foot sailboat, First Choice, crossing all the world’s oceans and visiting 68 countries, with many friends and family joining him along the way. From a life of dedicated father and professional working career, the voyage provided complete freedom for daily adventures, exploring our beautiful planet and embracing the extraordinary cultures of our world. It was a lifetime fulfillment that only a very few undertake and experience.

Completing the voyage, Bill returned to the States, splitting his time between Telluride, Colorado and Houston. You could find him mountain biking, hiking and skiing, spending many hours exploring the San Juan Mountains. His adventurous spirit led him to summit Kilimanjaro at 60 years old. He then returned to the business world in the early 2000s, becoming a partner of the management firm Lighthouse Capital, which sold and merged with Fisher Investments in 2010.

Bill settled back into Houston life, spending time attending his grandkids’ soccer games, car races, riding his bike in Memorial Park, and venturing out on road trips to multiple states to continue to nurture his lifelong friendships. Above all, Bill will be remembered for his humor, kindness, and the quiet way he made everyone feel truly seen and loved. Always there to listen and point out the silver linings in even the most difficult situations in life. Encouraging, empathic and aware, consistently looking forward.

He is survived by his partner, Dawn Nelson; son William H. Choice III and wife Becky Choice; daughter Cynthia Marie Choice; grandchildren Haley Rachel Choice-Tapia and husband Julian Tapia, William H. Choice IV, Baden Roth Garmhausen, and Tennyson Garmhausen; sister Jane Foster; and brother John Roby and wife Amy Hartman.

Bill was a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church. The family will gather for a private service. In lieu of customary remembrances, please play a favorite song, share a story, or do something kind in Bill’s honor.

Fair winds and following seas.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Bill's honor may be directed to Heart Gift, 3310 W. Braker Lane #300-704 Austin, TX 78758, or by visiting the link below under "Donations".