William "Bill" Frank Piper

William (Bill) Frank Piper, born April 15, 1941, in West Plains, Missouri, passed away on November 15, 2025, in Austin, Texas, leaving a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories. His life was marked by deep family connections and lasting friendships.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janice Elaine Lagle Piper, his devoted parents Herbert and Eva Piper, brother John Carlisle Piper, and sister Patricia Ann Piper Bloodworth.

He is survived by his son, Paul Dee Piper, daughter-in-law Dr. Silke Piper, and grandson Jose’ Eric Piper, all of Temple, Texas. His daughter, Pamela Denise Piper of Dallas, Texas, and his daughter, Penni Diane Piper Gordon, son-in-law James Scott Gordon, and grandsons Piper Jack Gordon and Parker James Gordon, all of Wimberley, Texas, also mourn his loss and celebrate his enduring spirit.

Bill grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where he became a hometown hero. He attended Poplar Bluff High School where he was a star athlete and lettered all four years in football, basketball, baseball and track & field.

He went on to attend the University of Alabama where he played football for the legendary Coach Paul Bear Bryant. Throughout his football career at Alabama, he played in the Cotton Bowl, Bluebonnet Bowl, and Sugar Bowl, and was a member of the 1964 National Championship team. He completed his academic career at Alabama in 1964, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

He pursued a career in Finance and became a successful investment banker and municipal bond trader in different cities across the country. He landed in Dallas in the early eighties where he spent the last two decades of his career heading municipal bond desks for various investment firms, while traveling several of those years as the itinerant head of muni trading desks in Tampa, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City.

After his professional career, he retired to his home outside of Dallas in Canton, Texas, with Janice, where he turned his attention to other interests and hobbies. He traveled extensively in the United States and around the world, enjoyed spending time and vacations with family and friends, and became a master wood carver. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Canton.

In honor of Bill, his children request that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org), or a charity of your choice in Bill’s memory.

Bill will be remembered for the lasting impact on everyone he met throughout his years. His dry wit and generous spirit, his love for family and friends, and the wisdom he offered to friends and loved ones. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who love him.

He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Janice, at Eubanks Haven of Memories Memorial Park, 27532 State Highway 64, Canton, Texas 75103.