William Tilton McCollough

Bill was born 11/1/25 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Grace Day McCollough Tennessee and Clyde Charles McCollough, Sr. Alabama. After Grace was diagnosed with tuberculosis, the entire family moved to San Antonio, where specialized treatment was available. Shortly afterwards she passed away.

Because their father's railroad job forced him to be away from home for months at a time, he was unable to personally care for his 4 children. Bill and his 3 older siblings were moved into the San Antonio Protestant Children's Home, with the stipulation that all 4 siblings be adopted by the same family. Luckily, after a few years, their father's position at the railroad changed, allowing him to care for his 4 young children himself.

Bill began work at an early age, throwing newspapers from his bicycle each morning before school.

He graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1943 and proudly served in the US Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1947. Bill then attended Texas Chiropractic College, in San Antonio, where he graduated in 1950 with a Doctors of Chiropractic Degree.

Prior to his graduation, Bill married Gene Elizabeth Longmire on 6/4/49 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Antonio. A few years later, they became part of the founding members of St. David's Episcopal Church. Bill was very active in the boys' sports program, Gene sang in the choir, and they both were involved in a multitude of committees.

Bill and Gene owned McCollough Claims Service in San Antonio. After they sold their business and moved to live on the beach in Port Aransas, they still traveled together as claims adjusters, "Storm Trooping", for many insurance companies following major hurricanes and disasters. Eventually, deciding the traffic was too busy in Port Aransas, they moved to Hawk Valley Ranch in Bandera, where they raised longhorn cattle, horses, donkeys, many dogs and cats and even a fawn Gene named Freckles.

Over the years, he described his special, and sometimes heartbreaking, experience living in an orphanage; but Bill's great stories of his Merchant Marine experiences and vast world travels during his service were enjoyed by many. He loved dancing and playing poker, bridge and gin rummy.

He was an avid fisherman, sportsman and excellent at tennis and golf, competing and winning several tournaments with help from his faithful caddy, ranch foreman and friend, Charles Thomas. In 1977, Bill won the Senior Games Tournament in Kerrville, Texas. In 2001, he was a Senior Olympic State Champion gold medalist winner, in his age group, in the State Finals Tournament in Lubbock. He was a hard working, caring, family man with a good heart, twinkling blue eyes, a great sense of humor, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Clyde; his wife, Gene, who was the love of his life for 58 years; brother Clyde Charles McCollough, Jr.; sister, Mae Ella McCollough Coleman, both of San Antonio plus his sister, Louise Grace Robinson of Grayling, Michigan.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie McCollough George and her husband Elton of San Antonio; and his son, William Scott McCollough and his wife Carrie of Dripping Springs. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Jennifer George Hargis and her husband Charlie of San Antonio; Tommy George and his wife Amanda of Amarillo; Megan McCollough Lackey and her husband Casey of Lewisville, Conor McCollough & Aidan McCollough, both of Austin, Tre McCollough & Cecille McCollough, both of Dripping Springs; his two great grandchildren, Lillian George of Amarillo and Cameron Hargis of San Antonio; brother in law, Lloyd Longmire and his wife Joan, of Austin; plus several nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends.

The family is very grateful of the true dedication and loving care given to Bill by Charles Thomas, Alice Salas and the many wonderful caregivers at Arden Courts, Caring Companions and Heartland Hospice of San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those desiring to give memorials in loving memory of Bill contribute to Boysville, Inc. PO Box 369 Converse, Texas 78109.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2010

11:30 A.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL