William Eugene Heck

William Eugene Heck (1930-2023) is survived by his five children and four grandchildren: Steve Heck, Barbara Heck, Martha (Rene) Riche, Brian Heck, James (Anna) Heck, grandchildren Jessica (Trey) Spurlock, Patrick Riche, William (Ashley) Heck and Camille Heck. They are all appreciative of the way he loved and cared for them. Bill brought energy, an adventurous spirit and knowledge to everything he did. His entire family is grateful for many beautiful and exciting times, which we hold close in our hearts and memories. He was the best Dad / Pa we ever had!

As per Bill's request there will be no funeral or memorial service, and his burial will be private.

To honor him, we ask that you go outside, take a walk, and meet a friend or two.

Billy was born at home on the farm in Barclay, Texas, 1930. His immediate and extended family instilled a serious work ethic in him. During junior high, he was encouraged to become an engineer. He hitchhiked to Houston shortly after high school graduation. He stayed with his sister and brother-in-law for a while. Becoming known as Bill, he worked his way through the University of Houston. About a year before graduation, he married Ann. Shortly after graduation, they had their first child, Steve. Bill was hired full time in the refinery lab where he had proven himself reliable and accurate. As a married couple, he and Ann attracted a good circle of friends and welcomed Barbara to the family. When Bill was offered a transfer to California, they headed west. In Anaheim, they lived so close to Disneyland they could watch the fireworks. As his professional life grew so did his family. Martha, Brian, and James were born in California. Dad described California as “Mecca '' because they enjoyed a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables they were not accustomed to. The weather was mild and consistent. The family enjoyed the mountains and beaches, both easily accessible. Their circle of friends grew through church, work and school. Bill was offered a good job that included a move to the New Orleans area. He started working a few weeks before Ann and the kids arrived. Ann loaded up the station wagon with five kids, two dogs, two pigeons, and several houseplants for the cross country drive. They became fully aware of how unique their new home would be when they crossed the Atchafalaya swamp bridge. Everything seemed lush green instead of the monochromatic brown of California. A host of new foods, friends, and fun enriched their lives. A special friendship with Don and Doris Farelly led to a business partnership. Bill was an excellent golfer and enjoyed thrilling fishing in the gulf. In his fifties, he began snow skiing and introduced it to the family. After a short stint working in Arkansas, he returned to Texas for work. At age seventy-nine he fully retired. After Ann passed away, Bill focused on golf, gardening, neighbors, and some traveling. He lived a long full life. Few from his childhood family and friends are around to miss him but many he met throughout the years will notice his absence.