Henry William “Bill” Streitman III

Bill lived a life defined by service, education, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to helping others reach their full potential. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960, attaining the rank of Captain. A proud Naval Aviator known by the call sign “Tiger Rag,” he was later called to share his skills as a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Chase Field in Beeville, Texas, where he inspired countless young pilots through his skill, discipline, and leadership. It was in Beeville that he met and married his wife Anna Laura (Bunky) Beasley.

Following his military service, Bill dedicated himself to higher education. He earned a Master’s Degree in Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology and later a Ph.D. in Educational Administration at Georgia State University while also working as a college professor, reflecting his lifelong belief that learning never ends. He and Bunky returned to Beeville in 1977 to make Texas their permanent home and raise their six children in Bunky’s hometown. He continued his academic career at Bee County College (now Coastal Bend College) in Beeville, where he served as Assistant Dean, Academic Dean, and ultimately Vice President. He retired from BCC in 1986 after years of distinguished service.

Never one to sit still, Bill answered another call to public service when he was elected County Judge of Bee County, serving four years with integrity and dedication. Afterward, he and Bunky moved to Victoria, Texas, where he directed the area’s job training program, helping countless individuals build brighter futures through education and employment opportunities. Retirement, however, was never quite Bill’s style. After taking a tax preparation class simply out of curiosity, he discovered a new passion. He opened his own tax preparation firm, where he faithfully served clients for decades, continuing to work right up until the last year of his life.

Bill’s personal motto was simple but profound: “Work, work, work… learn, learn, learn.” Those words guided every chapter of his life. He believed deeply that diligence, education, and perseverance opened doors of opportunity, and he encouraged everyone around him to strive for excellence. Nothing brought him greater joy than seeing his children and grandchildren embrace those same values through their own education, careers, and accomplishments. Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. His greatest pride was his family and he considered himself blessed to be their Dad and Papaw.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bunky, his parents, Henry and Laura Streitman, and sister Barbara Shriner. He is survived by his six children: Laurie Streitman; Julie and husband John Martisek; David and wife Laura Streitman; Scott and wife Julianne Streitman; Amy and husband Shane Ressman; and John and wife Jennifer Streitman. He also leaves behind his brother, Mickey Streitman, and sister Gwen Best; 18 cherished grandchildren; seven treasured great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members, friends, former students, colleagues, and clients whose lives he touched.

Bill’s legacy lives on in the generations he encouraged to work hard, never stop learning, and always pursue their dreams. His wisdom, quiet strength, generous spirit, and steadfast example will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. The family invites all who knew Bill to honor his memory by embracing his lifelong philosophy: work hard, keep learning, help others along the way, and never stop growing. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of the donor’s choice.