Bill was born February 20, 1944, in San Angelo, Texas, and later made his home in Lubbock, where he attended Lubbock High School. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Business Administration before serving in the United States Navy as a data systems technician. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation, and went on to work for Texas Instruments in Austin for 28 years.
Bill and Birdy shared 51 years of marriage and 48 years bowling together in several leagues. A member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Bill loved being around people, sharing stories, checking on neighbors, and greeting the world with the smile so many will remember. He found joy in simple daily rhythms: walking Daisy to the neighborhood park, watching squirrels, doves, and hummingbirds from the kitchen table or deck, and keeping up with the world on CNN.
Bill is survived by his wife, Birdy; his son, Dustin; his granddaughter, Kennedy; and Daisy, his beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, whose steady companionship brought him comfort and joy for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle William Crane and Aetna Rau Crane, and his brother, Phillip Neal Crane.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas.
A graveside interment service will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Mission Park South Cemetery, 1700 SE Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites charitable donations in Bill’s memory to House of Friends at Bethany or The Lighthouse at Riverbend.
