William James Galbreath

Born in Houston, Texas on December 23, 1942, Bill was the beloved only child of Marjorie and Floyd Galbreath. His father’s work in the oil business resulted in moves between Houston, Midland, and Dallas, and back to Houston, where Bill graduated from Lamar High School. He viewed his seven years (including law school) at the University of Texas as a special gift to stay in one place. Bill enjoyed being in the ATO fraternity and especially treasured the lifelong friendships and humorous memories made as part of the Texas Cowboys.

Bill would say his most fortunate event at UT was meeting his future wife, Susan Soriero, at the Pi Phi House on pledge night. The two went water-skiing with friends the very next day, and never looked back! Bill and Susan married on July 1, 1966, at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Houston. After law school, Bill joined the FBI and the couple began adventurous travels to Washington, D.C., Montana, Idaho, and California. Son David was born in Los Angeles in 1970. Shortly after, they moved back to Houston to be closer to Bill’s parents and to Susan’s parents, Bev and Calvin Soriero. Daughter Alison was born in Houston in 1973. Bill worked for the law firm of Bracewell & Patterson, and started buying and renovating houses for resale in the West University area (he was one of the first to start this trend!)

In 1976, Bill and Susan moved to San Antonio. Son William James, Jr., (Jim) joined the family in 1980. Bill’s long banking career began with sixteen years at Frost Bank, where he organized and became President of North Frost. Bill’s next twenty-six years at Jefferson Bank were very special and fulfilling. He started the bank’s first mortgage department; later serving as a member of the Board of Directors, as President, and in many other roles. He felt very blessed to have known and worked with the Frost family and the Lewis-McSween family with Jefferson.

One of Bill's unique gifts was attracting and mentoring talented people. There are many who credit Bill for helping start and shape their careers. He knew a wide range of people and thoroughly enjoyed making new friends, helping and connecting new customers. He frequently mentored high school and college students on their future plans, and he loved staying in touch with them over the years.Bill's many community activities included Morningside Ministries, Children's Bereavement Center, Episcopal Church Foundation Trustees, Texas Bankers Association, Texas Public Radio, Conopus Club and The Argyle, among others.

Above everything he loved God and Christ Episcopal Church. He served as Vestry Senior Warden and had an especially close friendship with The Reverend W. Patrick Gahan. Bill was also part of a Friday morning men's group that met across five decades, conversing and sharing their lives together.

Being an only child, Bill’s delight in life was enjoying his three children, their spouses, and eleven grandchildren. “Papa” along with “Gigi” enjoyed cheering everyone on in their activities, and sharing his love of the outdoors, sports, snow skiing, arrowhead hunting, gardening, weather, water skiing and sailing at the family lake house at LBJ. He also loved to tell jokes and stories, much to the delight of family and friends, and ones that will continue to be passed along.

Bill was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Calvin “Joe” Soriero, Jr. Bill is survived by Susan, his wife of 57 years; son David Galbreath (Autumn Dawn), and family: Coggin (Ryan), Eleanor (Jake Roberts), and Norah; daughter Alison Sawyer (Jason) and family: Abby (Andrew Whitaker), Jack, and Joshua; and son William “Jim” Galbreath, Jr. (Brooke) and family: Gain, Jewel, Beverly, Lyles, and William "Billy" III.

Bill also leaves his sister-in-law, Margaret Soriero (Michael), brother-in-law Tommy Soriero (Sandy), and beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

The Galbreath family expresses their deep gratitude for The Forum at Lincoln Heights memory care staff, including directors Karen and Miranda, Hospice nurse Patti, and Forum nurses and aides who showed such love and compassion for Bill, and made the Forum a warm "home away from home”. During his stay, Bill maintained his trademark smile and happily received all visitors. We will all miss him!

MEMORIAL SERVICETHURSDAY, MAY 30, 202411:00 A.M.CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH510 BELKNAP, 78212

The Rt. Reverend Gary Lillibridge, the Rev. Scott Kitayama, and the Rev. Justin Lindstrom to officiate. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church.

Click here to livestream the service of Mr. William James Galbreath