William Earl Sleeper

Bill was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was a third-generation insurance professional who enjoyed a distinguished career in the insurance industry. Deeply committed to the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) Society, he served as its President from 1998 to 1999. He treasured the lifelong friendships and opportunities to mentor and lead that came through his involvement with the Society. Bill also served as President of the Rotary Club of Park Cities from 1991 to 1992, and the Texas Old Missions and Forts Restoration Association (TOMFRA), reflecting his commitment to community service and his appreciation for Texas history.

Bill's lifelong passion for music began as a young drummer attending St. Mark's School of Texas in Dallas, where he had the opportunity to record in a local recording studio and perform with "The Marksmen #1," alongside future notable musicians, including Steve Miller. He later recorded with Michael Nesmith of The Monkees in California before proudly serving in the U.S. Army band. Bill continued his musical education at SMU's Meadows School of the Arts and remained devoted to sharing his love of music throughout his life. While always a drummer at heart, he went on to lead the Lovers Lane Jazz Band and perform with the Town North Concert Band. One of his proudest accomplishments was co-founding the McKinney Community Band in 2006, where he served as its founding music director and conductor for more than eight years before becoming Director Emeritus in 2015.

At Highland Springs where he and his wife Mica lived, Bill found yet another way to share his love of music and bring people together. He founded "Fitness Beat," an exercise class set to his beloved rock and roll music of the 1950s and 1960s. Drawing on his lifelong passion for drumming, Bill incorporated drumsticks into the routines, encouraging participants to move, exercise, and keep time with the music. He took tremendous pride in the class and the friendships it fostered, finding great joy in helping his fellow residents stay active while having fun.

Bill had an extraordinary ear for music, often recognizing a song by its second chord, and a particular fondness for the doo-wop music of the 1950s and 1960s. Equally memorable was his wonderful sense of humor. He loved a good pun, a funny joke, and had comedic timing that was second to none.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Mica Sleeper; his four daughters, Alyssa Dyson (Jason), Jessica Blackburn (David), Shawn Ehlers (Scott), and Shannon Wright; seven grandchildren, Corey Wright (Jessica), Lauren Wright, Brittany Millet (Max), Keith Dyson, Ryan Nemmers, Luke Dyson, and Ben Nemmers; and two great-grandchildren, Alice and Eloise.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Joan Sleeper of Dallas, Texas.

Affectionately known as "Poppy," Bill will be remembered for the laughter he brought, the music he shared, and the love he gave so generously to his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life honoring Bill will be scheduled at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends when arrangements are finalized.