I had moved from Austin in early 2008 and did not know until now, Bill was a fellow Friend of Bill, Bill was a regular @ Schlotzsksky`s and always had words of encouragement for me knowing that i was new to AA. or at least recently returned, But Bill always had a positive outlook and gave me another way of looking at things,and i was saddened to see the obit, when i saw his picture online.Prayers go out to His wife and Daughter, (do they still have the Miatta) peace, Jan



I'm so sorry to hear of Billy's passing and the fact that I didn't get to say a proper goodbye.  He was one-of-kind.   A few minutes ago, the name Billy Putney popped into my mind.  I haven't seen or spoken with him for probably 30 years or more.  So, I did a Google search and the first thing that popped up was an obituary.  My heart sank.  I loved Billy and even today can remember the first time we met right after he moved to Austin in 1970.  We were born 7 days apart and were both 23 at the time.  We shared more laughs, good times and Cajun music that the law should allow for about 6 years, then I moved away and never returned to Austin except for brief visits.  



After years of trying to locate Billy, as I knew him,  I am so sad to learn of his passing.  Billy was a big brother to me and we were backyard neighbors as our backyards literally adjoined.  Billy and the others in our little neighborhood group were always putting me up to things that they did not want to do as they were a whole year older than me.  After school every day we would gather in the playroom in my home and spend hours listening to music, snacking and Billy  pontificating on what ever subject that he wanted to get on his soap box about that day.  He loved listening to my Buddy Holly LP's and would always encourage me to go buy the latest album available so that he could spend his money on something else.. He was always a character and we had a lot of fun during the school years.   I loved my big brother, Billy, just like a little sister would.  My deepest condolences to his family.



I apologize for this being so late.  I knew Bill only by his first name, but I would run into him at DTS and also on the Hike and Bike trail with his sweet dog.  My prayers and thoughts are with his family



Thank you Bill, for introducing Bob to the Homestead way back in 1978.  Undoubtedly you are both now looking down and shaking your heads over all of the changes in our little slice of Heaven on Earth.    Thank you Bill and Veronica for making us feel so welcome when, as a young couple from Minnesota, we arrived with hardly a clue.    Thank you Bill for your vision, there should be more like you.     With sympathy,  Carol Foy



Bill was a pleasure to be with in some ventures. He was friendly, honest, and capable. My sympathy to Veronica and Ashley, who he referred to with affection.  James



We are so sorry to hear about Bill.   Bill, Veronica and Ashley were the first neighbors we met when we moved to The Homestead over 16 years ago.  They all made us feel so welcome.  Even though we did not see them often, it was always good to know that great neighbors are so close by, and still are.  We think of Bill as the man who started The Homestead and have the old newsletter with his very young picture on it looking out over the Homestead land that so many now enjoy.  Hope it helps to know you are in our thoughts and prayers  Levine family



The hat! Oh, how we loved the hat!  In the beginning, I used to always call Bill, Phil. Finally, I went up and asked him just to get it right...he laughed, "Dana, you can call me anything you want to!"  What a kind and loving soul he was.  I used to see him at the on the TL Trail. Then when we saw eachother at WT, we would discuss exactly "WHY" he was down there. Bill loved to laugh..and had such a kind heart.  Western Trails-8:30 will not be the same without him.  My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and family.   Just remember, he is gone, but he is not away...he is with the angels now, and without pain.  Love & Blessings,   dana a.



It sadden me to read about Bill's passing.  However, I feel quite certain he has found a cocker spaniel to love and is sitting on a cloud smiling down on us.  I was fortunate to have known Bill, who helped so many (very directly I might add) and to witness his supportive wife and lovely daughter for many years. "Life is a Test, Life is Trust, and Life is Temporary"



Bill, you know you helped save my life. Had it not been for your introduction to   Hersheys Chocolate Nuggets I don't think I would have made it through  the cravings. Over seven years later  I still keep the "nuggets" on hand and  I'll always think of Bill when I pick them up.    Thank You Bill.



What a huge loss for our community!  We will miss you Bill.  Prayers of comfort to your family, and prayers for you as you find your way around Heaven.  God bless our friend.



Bill and his hat will be missed at the Lakeway Emmaus meetings.  His keen insight and wonderful sense of humor were remarkable.  My heart goes out to his family.



Veronica and Ashley,Winston Churchill said he was ready to meet his maker but was God ready to meet him! That is true of Bill also, what a personally! God bless him and keep him close and help you through this most difficult time.  Love and prayers, Judy



Veronica,  my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.  Bill was a wonderful person to work with in the real estate industry.  His smile will always be remembered.  God Bless You and your daughter.  Thelma Beaver



Bill was and always will be a great inspiration to me.  I am thankful to have had the opportunity to know him and to learn from him.  He will always be a steadfast example of the many gifts one receives by working the program.  My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his family.



I pray for peace and comfort for you in this time of loss.  What a wonderful man Bill was.  There are people who come into your life who make a difference.  Bill made a difference.  Respectfully,     Paula Graham



David and I and all those who really appreciate Veronica and Bill for building a great community in The Homestead. Our prayers are with you.



I'll always remember Bill walking the hike and bike trail with his little dog. My thoughts and prayers go out to Veronica today.



I really loved Bill.  We used to sit in the back row together over at Bouldin and I'd try and make him laugh!  He would just grin and shake his head.  Bill was always such a sweetheart to me ever since I met him and I will miss him deeply.  I loved all of his stories and the wisdom that he shared with all of us over the years.  Bill made a difference in my life and many many others and he will be missed deeply.



Bill loved real estate.  He was a rare visionary in the real estate  profession.  He lived his life with integrity. Bill Putney made   a difference. " Job well done my friend ".



Bill was such a presence at Bouldin AA and Austin AA in general.   And he did so much to turn his health around fifteen or so years ago, from drinker and heavy smoker, to everday walker, naturalist, pillar in AA, that this really comes as a surprise.  I'm deeply saddened.  It makes me smile though to think of Bill speaking, with that captivating booming voice of his, comically sharing his follies and learned wisdom, all the while helping us all laugh and be more at ease with our own humanity.  He was a giver, not a taker.  But more than that, to me, he was an older male mentor, a leader, a hero.  We've got one less hero today.  We need more Bill Putneys in this world, more leaders and heroes.  His life and actions inspire me to strive and accomplish, as he did, to relish life and live it fully on its terms.  My sympathies go out to his wife and daughter.  I grieve with you, as we have lost something special, something great, but rejoice in the example of how to live and nurture that living that Bill left us all.    Sincerely,    Mitchell D. Diaz  Austin, Texas



Veronica,  You have been in my thoughts constantly since hearing the news. My deepest condolences, Veronica.  I wish I could give you a hug and a kiss.  Prayerfully,  Gloria



I will miss seeing Bill's hat on Town Lake Trail early in the morning, at the Saxon Pub in the evening.     He was one of those enigmatic characters that make Austin a great place.      My condolences to Bill's family.



Bill was always a delight to see and listen to.  He continued to see the Good in all people and inspired me to be good.     I shall miss him at the 8:30am AA meetings.       Bro. Edward Salisbury, D. Div.



Bill and i used to talk about alpine and big bend he was a fan of that part of west Texas, i was always glad to see him on Saturday mornings he will be missed by us all  Kelley & Leslie Doyle



Bill was my neighbor for 5 years. He was truely a great caring, giving person. We became great friends and we will miss him dearly. Our deepest sympathies to his family.



I will never forget Bill as i went to him for advice many times while i lived in Austin and he ALWAYS gave me what i needed to hear, et.al.,words of wisdom. my condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.



Bill was a constant in and around Western Trails, as well as Bouldin. I remember doing an inventory with him, you know when people arent' acting right, and darn it, there was MY PART!LIFE IS SHORT, LIVE IT NOW!



Bill was more than just a wonderful person, he was always kind and considerate to me and it was always a pleasure to visit with him at meetings.  Bill will remain in my heart. May God help his family and give them strength.



We both just have the fondest memories of Bill and his hat!!! He helped more people than he will ever know.  He will be missed.



Bill was a good man and so kind to all he met.. Was a great mentor to me in real estate.. His presence will be missed each day at Western Trails..



When my path in life was uncertain, Ole Bill was always there for me. Solid, confident, reassuring. He gave me the gift of hope when I had none. I will always be grateful for you Bill. What a character you were! Your goofy hats always made me smile. Your memory will be a lasting one. Cheers, Bill.    Condolences to Veronica and family.       Jim H.



Bill has been a great inspiration in my life.  It has been an honor to know him.  I will miss his physical presence in my life, but his smile and words of wisdom will remain with me always.



Thank you for years of friendship and fellowship. I'll always be greatful for our alliance and our desire to help our fellows. We're all better for your personal growth and I'll miss you greatly. My love and condolences to your family and our friends. God bless you all.



You will be missed Bill. Thank you for your time with us.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.    Roger-



Heartfelt condolensces in this time of loss for your Family. Bill will be missed greatly.



Bill will be greatly missed at the 6AM meeting.  He was always a great example of God's work.



Bill and I shared a deep love for writing, eye candy around Town Lake, and the flavor of joy found only at The Trails. He's the only guy I ever let read my play. He let me read one of his amazing novels. I adored Bill and I'll miss him. I love you Veronica.


OBITUARY

William L. Putney

January 24, 1947 – August 5, 2008

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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