William Howard Brodhead

William “Bill” Brodhead passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, generosity, and adventure. Born on January 25, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Howard Brodhead III and Betty Russell Brodhead, Bill spent his formative years in Metairie, LA, attending Bissonet Plaza Elementary, T. H. Harris Junior High, and John Quincy Adams Junior High, before completing high school at Clear Creek High School in League City, TX.

An exceptional student-athlete, Bill received a full track scholarship to the University of Houston. His high school cross-country and track teams achieved statewide and national recognition, setting records and earning championships. He was a member of the 1971 Clear Creek Boys Cross Country State Championship Team, set a state record in the 1972 Distance Medley, and ran on the Two Mile Relay Team ranked #1 in the nation that same year. In 2018, Bill and his teammates were inducted into the Clear Creek High School Athletic Hall of Honor.

Professionally, Bill worked as a respected engineer at Texas Instruments from 1976 to 2003. His technical work helped shape the early development of token ring/LAN chips, DSP, calculators, and early cell phone chips. He was also the inventor of patented semiconductor technology, exemplifying his deep commitment to innovation and excellence.

Bill’s achievements extended far beyond the office. An accomplished marathoner, he placed 7th in the inaugural Houston Marathon in 1972 with an extraordinary time of 2:41:47. Over the years, he completed multiple marathons across Texas, consistently demonstrating endurance and discipline.

His adventurous spirit led him to solo bicycle tours through the Canadian Rockies and across Europe. He also biked from Houston to Austin in the MS 150 and participated in RAGBRAI across Iowa—twice. Bill had a great love for classic cars, winning first place at a car show with his beloved 1974 Corvette Stingray. He had a passion for craftsmanship and took pride in restoring vehicles and tackling home renovation projects himself.

A man of many interests, Bill loved kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, camping, barbecuing—earning the nickname “BBQ Bill”—playing guitar, and collecting vinyl records. He was known for his kind heart, his willingness to lend a hand, and his deep-rooted sense of doing what was right. In his later years, he participated in exercise classes with the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society (HAPS), continuing to inspire others with his strength and perseverance.

William met the love of his life, Rosalina, in February 1985 during a work trip to Texas Instruments in the Philippines. Their connection was instant, and they knew they were meant to be. Just a few months later, on May 6, 1985, they were married. In November 1986, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Nicole, and together, they built a life full of love, warmth, and cherished memories.

Above all, Bill cherished his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosalina Oyam Brodhead; his loving daughter, Nicole Anne Darby, and son-in-law, Kenneth Wayne Darby Jr.; and his two beloved grandchildren, Christopher Cruz Darby and Quinn Camryn Darby. He is also survived by his brother, Steven Brodhead. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Brodhead III and Betty Russell Brodhead.

Bill lived a life full of passion, adventure, and dedication. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the innovations he pioneered, and the lives he touched.

Visitation will be May 12th, 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00am at Katy Funeral Home. A reception will immediately follow from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society (HAPS) in Bill’s honor.