We were in our early 20's, Bill riding his 250 Ducati and I on my 360 Yamaha Enduro , an oncoming car swerved in our lane and back again, an attempt at humor for sure, although unappreciated by us. Bill turned around, I followed. The car parked in front of T&L icehouse in Leon Valley.  Bill pulled up to the driver door and blocked him from getting out.  I went to the other side. After the tongue lashing he gave them I actually felt sorry for them, two 17 yr old guys.  I'm sure one of them wet his pants. For sure they felt closer to an ass whupping than ever before. 
 Bill could do that, scare the living daylights out of someone by acting crazy, like Mel Gibson in "Lethal Weapon."

He took care of his engineer, you be surprised how many conductors didn't but Bill always did. He will be missed

Bill, God’s speed on your journey to 
heaven ! May you not be stopped at any train crossings in your route. 

Thank you for your service to our country and for being my friend.

Bill and I became friends at the age of 10. Our families lived about a quarter mile apart in Leon Valley. We grew up living life like Tom Sawyer  - riding bikes, roaming the country side, building tree houses, hunting rabbits and birds, fishing in the creek near our houses. Those were great childhood memories. During our senior year of HS we both worked together at Snavely's Exxon in Leon Valley. We both attended SA College, had the same class hours so we rode together - only lasting one year due low interest in maintaining grade averages. Then Uncle Sam wanted us, so I joined the Air Force that summer and Bill went in the Army later. Different life styles led us on different paths. About 4 years ago we became close again and started an annual fishing trip with our buddy Ray Wolbrecht. Between the three of us we rekindled many memories of our past. Bill will be greatly missed.

We worked together on the railroad, and I was always happy when the crew caller would say "Bill Hennig is your conductor". We never got together away from work, but we were always going to. we both enjoyed hunting and fishing and liked to talk about doing those things. I will miss him, especially on December 7  (Pearl Harbor Day)  of every year when,  Bill would call or text message me about a little joke we had shared years ago. Goodbye my friend.

Bill and I did many adventures together.  Bill quit helping Behnke install septic systems in the summer of 1966. I took his place for a month and then I quit too. Behnke wanted slave labor.  Spring of1967 we drove to Mexico city and came back financially broke.  That's what happens when 3guys T-bone a bus at 6am.  We got out of the Army about the same time late Spring of 1971 and delivered cantaloupes to HEB's all that summer until I talked him into enrolling at SWT the Fall of 71, he to start on a degree and I to do graduate work.  After a year he had better things to do. We had a few river/ fishing trips together and for a long time we didn't see each other until I heard he had a motorcycle wreck and busted his hip, so I saw him again in a rehab setting.  A willingness to not lose track of each other again led to the rediscovery of another old friend, Dennis Burrer. The 3 of us had several fishing trip s together before Bill passed away.  He'll be missed. 
 Life was tough on Bill after Vietnam , having come back somewhat short-tempered and contentious. But for the sake of old friendships we endured it because we had sentimental feelings for our old buddy. Life is too short to sweat small stuff. 
 Adios mi amigo.  Ray  

Bill Hennig has been a dear father to his son Ian Ross Silver-Eck aka Ian Ross Hennig.  I am just learning of his passing today. I have many years of memories with "Wild Bill" over these 25 years. 
 Some may not know about his son Ian , but to be sure he loved his son very much  and was dearly loved back we  talked to him twice a month at least.
  Bill was a vey generous man and he came to Boston three times to visit. Ian and I moved out of Texas in 2012.
   I am heart broken to learn of his passing.
  

Bill and I were friends during our time at John Marshall HS.  We then reconnected after my USCG service.  We shared many enjoyable days dove hunting and working on our various cars and trucks.  Shortly after I started working at SoPac RR, Bill choose to do the same.  But working at the RR made it difficult to keep up each other as many of you well know.  I always enjoyed Bill’s humor and solid character.  Upon learning of his passing, I like many of you am left somberly diminished.  Thanks for the cherished memories Bill.  Walk with God!

Bill , thankyou for being my friend , I will miss you and will always remember the good times we had .

We were shocked to hear of Bill's passing. We had just exchanged conversation over the gate at the house a few days ago and he seemed like his old self, so we felt he was over the previous crisis. 

So sorry for the family and friends who will also be missing Bill. Guess God had better plans for him.


OBITUARY

Wilbert William Hennig Jr.

June 28, 1947 – June 25, 2021

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

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