He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Perkins Gayden and Helen Baker Gayden Levi. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Cynthia Newton Gayden, daughters Beth Gayden Williams (Hunter), Katherine Gayden Keenan (Sean), and grandchildren William Gayden Williams, Sarah Katherine Williams, Cynthia Elizabeth Williams, Margaret Carolyn Williams, Katherine Grace Keenan, William Patrick Keenan, Emily Ellen Keenan, and brother Harry Perkins Gayden, Jr. (Sylvia), and nieces Vance Gayden Pearson, Valerie Gayden Holman and nephew Harry Perkins Gayden, III.
Bill was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bill and his family moved to Austin, Texas, in 1952 where he attended McCallum High School. In January 1964, Bill graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance. Following graduation, he began his career at IBM Corporation as a Sales Representative. On October 17, 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Cynthia Beach Newton of San Antonio, Texas. The couple relocated to Dallas, Texas, in 1965.
In 1967, Bill joined Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS) as a Sales Representative. Over the next 17 years, he played an integral role in growing EDS into a multinational information technology equipment and service company. He was elected to the Board of Directors in September 1972, and he was founder and President of EDS World Corporation, the international subsidiary of EDS. He formed businesses in Holland, Iran, Kuwait, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. In 1979, he was part of the rescue team that helped free two EDS employees who were held hostage in a heavily guarded Iranian prison. In October 1984, Bill played a vital role in the General Motors Corporation acquisition by merger of EDS.
In March 1986, Bill joined Petrus Oil Company, L.P. as President. The company was sold to Bridge USA of San Antonio, Texas, in December 1988.
On September 1, 1989, Bill founded Merit Energy Company. Over the past 33 years under Bill’s leadership, Merit has grown into one of the largest and most respected private oil and gas companies in the institutional investor community. Bill led investments in fourteen states, Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. He was a mentor and friend to countless numbers of employees, investors and business associates.
Bill served on the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Council of Ethics and International Affairs and the Carnegie Institution of Washington. He also served on the Board of Directors of Christiania General Insurance Company, Perot Systems Corporation, Harte-Hanks, Inc. and King Ranch, Inc.
Bill was an active member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, joining the congregation in November 1978 and served as a Deacon. He served his beloved country as a U.S. Army Reservist from 1962 – 1968.
When not in the office, Bill enjoyed fly fishing and hunting with his very special group of friends and traveling with his family. In addition, he spent time birding, studying early Texas art and loved reading about history. Affectionately known as PawPaw in the family, his grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Another hobby Bill enjoyed was flying airplanes. In 1997, Bill received his Private and Commercial Pilot Licenses and in 1998 he received a Multi-Engine Aircraft Rating.
Bill touched so many lives. He was loving, humble, incredibly generous and cared so much for others. His intelligence, unmatched wisdom and keen sense of humor made everyone gravitate toward him and look to him for advice on numerous topics. Bill was truly one of a kind.
The family would like to thank Angela Thomas, founder of Caring With Grace, Amy, Moe, Josh, George, Malcolm, Weston, Morris, Salome, Munji, Blessing, Joe, Norah, Dave and Wendy for all of their unwavering love and support over the last several years.
The family kindly asks that you do not send flowers. Your friendship and words of encouragement are most appreciated. Those wishing to make donations in Bill’s name can do so at the following: Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Boulevard, Dallas, Texas, 75205; Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 100 E. 27th Street, Austin, Texas, 78705; Panhandle-Plains Historical Society, 2503 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas, 79015.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Boulevard, Dallas, Texas, 75205.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Gayden family.
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