William Parnell O'Connell Jr.

William Parnell O’Connell Jr., “Bill,” passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at the age of 85 in Houston, Texas. He will be remembered as a man who lived life largely, with a kind and loving heart, a sharp mind, and a great sense of humor.

Bill was born on July 8, 1939, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late William Parnell O’Connell Sr. and Clarine Browning. He was preceded in death by first wife Susanne Krause O’Connell, brother Roy “Duane” Baccus, brother-in-law Billy Holladay, sister-in-law Cecilia Zuspan and mother-in-law Barbara Kelley.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Barbara O’Connell, and children: William Parnell O’Connell III (Robyn), Byron Trent O’Connell (Tiffany), Jonathon Troy O’Connell and step-children: Suzanne Shuford Boone (Steven), James Franklin Shuford Jr. (Kelley), and Charles Kelley Shuford (Claudia). Bill’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren who he loved so much: Kyle O’Connell (Sarah), Olivia Palka (Cole), Cade O’Connell, Sydney O’Connell, Lauren Boone, Connor Shuford, Caroline Shuford, Samantha Shuford, Charlotte Shuford, and great-granddaughter, Juniper Rosalie O’Connell. He was also deeply loved by his many nieces and nephews.

Bill was a proud member of a close-knit family. He is also survived by his sisters Darlene Holladay and Susan Russell (Mark), brother Gary Baccus (Jana), and sister-in law Leslie Baccus, sister-in-law Mary Wehr (Marty), brother-in-law Charles Kelley, Jr. (Consuelo), and sister-in-law Margaret Small (Steve).

Growing up in Del Rio, Texas, Bill made many life-long friends, “The Del Rio Group” and graduated from Del Rio High School. Further education included a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&I in Kingsville and a master’s degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Bill served his country with honor in the United States Coast Guard. After military service, he was a highly respected leader in his field, serving as President of Vallen Corporation in Houston, Texas. He had numerous business interests afterwards and served on various advisory boards.

Bill’s personal passions included golf, thoroughbred horse racing, and being a loyal supporter of the Houston Texans. As an active member of Lochinvar Golf Club, he was committed to its longevity by serving as President from 1985 to 1990. He was instrumental in maintaining the club’s financial stability during challenging times. He enjoyed spending his time at the club entertaining, family, friends and business associates.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the care and compassion he received by Phillip Leggett, MD, Ricardo Bellera, MD, Michelle Seek, RN and Amedisys Hospice Care.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:30 am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, 1203 Lovett Boulevard, Houston, Texas, 77006 or the charity of choice.