William Henry Hess Jr.

His remarkable life was brought to an end early, but the legacy he leaves behind will resonate for years to come.

Born on December 4, 1941, in Wilson, Oklahoma to the late William Henry Hess, Sr. and the late Thelma McDaniel Hess, Bill was the middle child of three siblings including Lynne Hess Jones and the late Sue Hess Miller. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Louise Hess. His spirit endures through the family who loved him deeply: his two sons, William Charles Hess (Shannon Elizabeth Roles) and Robert Gene Hess (Mary Banas Hess); his four stepchildren, Jeffrey Murrah (the late Peggy Sue Murrah), Pamela Jackson, Timothy Murrah, and Damon Murrah; his five grandchildren, Corey Dayne Hess (Molly Smith Hess), Cameron Blake Hess (Marion Jane Gui), Sydney Lorrin Hess (Jessie Alden Paradise), Maren Grace Hess and Robert Preston Hess; his two great-grandchildren, Tristan Blaze Hess and Layne Alden Paradise; and three nieces Kennita Miller Moon and Rajeana Miller Heath, and Melissa Jones Perry and many beloved grand-nieces and nephews.

Bill embraced life with a boundless spirit and a contagious enthusiasm. From an early age, he showed dedication and drive that would define his life and character. At the age of 10, he joined the Boy Scouts, and excelled by earning the rank of Eagle Scout — evidence of his commitment to growth and service to others.

After graduating high school, Bill was called to serve his country. Drafted into the U.S. Army on July 13, 1967, Bill's time in the military was distinguished by his expertise and bravery. He mastered the maintenance of CH-47 Chinook helicopters, served valiantly as a door gunner, and later shared his skills as an instructor, shaping the next generation of servicemen.

When his military chapter concluded with an honorable discharge, Bill brought his boundless energy to new passions. A lover of adventure, he found joy in maintaining and racing cars, not just as a pastime but as a career and made a lasting impression many local racing scenes throughout his life. He worked for many years at Big 4 Auto Parts and Full Service Auto Parts throughout Oklahoma and Texas managing their inventory across his regions. Bill also loved to go fishing, salt or freshwater, whenever he had the opportunity, he was out on the water.

Bill extended his leadership and care to guiding young athletes as a little league baseball coach. Whether coaching sports or creating memorable childhood moments, like building treehouses or fixing up countless family cars, Bill was always busy bringing joy and practicality to the lives of those around him. He carried a knack for solving problems and a heart full of generosity.

A man of character, courage, and kindness, Bill touched countless lives. His love of family, his dedication to his community, and his compelling passion for everything he did created a lasting legacy. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

We say goodbye to William "Bill" Henry Hess Jr., a family man, a soldier, a mentor, and a friend. His was a life well lived, and his memory will remain a beloved treasure in the hearts of all who knew him.