With deepest sympathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Mary I am sorry to hear of your loss. Bill will be missed. God Bless you and Keep you by his side in your time of sorrow. The Valdez family send your our sympathy and condolences.

Well our final day... and we made it through with everyones thoughts and prayers with us at this time. I wanted to thank everyone for your support for my family. I once again have seen just how many people he was loved by... I just wish that we ALL had the chance to have expressed just how much we cared for him while he was here to hear it. I have to say I am at great peace with NO regrets. 
Last nights vigil and todays mass were the most beautiful services led by Fr. David Garcia and Fr. Jake Emperuer, Deacon Casanova, Deacon Garcia, Deacon Garza, Deacon Pedroza. Joyous music by the San Fernando Classical Choir under the direction of Mr. Rick McLaughlin and the Mens ACTS choir under direction of Joe Nick Garza. I can guarantee with all the combined voices the music was heard by all above in heaven. Of all of the wonderful memories shared by everyone, the one thing that stood out was the joy that MY dad brought to everyone's life he touched. He will be missed deeply...but as I said I know he will remain in our hearts till we are united again as a family in heaven. Thank you and may my father rest in peace. 
Glori...

Eulogy by Gloria Perez My daddy?he was my father, your husband, your granddaddy, your bother in Christ and your friend. My father was truly an amazing man. I was a young girl when he came into my life and boy did he come in like a whirlwind. He swept my mother off her feet and charmed me with all the finer things in life all the mean while always including me in everything they did. My dad showed us that he was going to be our solid rock and he would always be here to take care of us, and he always did. When ever I would get into any trouble I would go to my daddy and he would always take care of whatever the issue was no questions asked. Strange I always found it easier to approach my dad before my mom. He would always tell me to him in his eyes I was always going to be 15 years old. To my dad I could never do any wrong. 
One of the most important lessons in life I learned from my father was to never stay mad?and believe me there were times he would make me so mad, and yes I too was known to get him a little hot as well. Somehow he always managed to get me to come around and realize nothing was worth staying mad. Life is too short?and my dad knew to live it to its fullest. My dad was such a caring man always wanting the best for us especially his grandbabies! Globug, Doodlebug, and Noahbug all which he nicknamed himself, yes even myself Lovebug. My dad and my mom what a dynamic duo they were?the Wally Gators?this was their own nickname they created together years ago. My dad was a kid at heart himself. Always being the cool guy?and rocking out as he would say? to the music we would have on the radio. He could make us laugh till it hurt. He always wanted the coolest and newest things for us. He was notorious for seeing something and deciding to buy it instantly. The saleswomen at Dillard?s loved to see him coming? my dad?s way of shopping was to look at the mannequins then tell them he wanted the exact outfit that was on it. My dad?s joy came from others delight. This was especially true at Christmas, he would taunt us each bout all the gifts?saying hey are there any gifts under there for you? wow look at the huge box in the corner? then Christmas morning he would sit there in his chair and watch us open gifts in sheer delight.. As I was sitting here writing I wondered hmmm what can I tell everyone about my daddy that they may not have known? He loved to swim and scuba dive. He loved the water, and being out on a sail boat. It was pure serenity for him. My dad loved his chocolate ice cream and we are not talking bout just your normal everyday serving in a bowl, it had to be a huge bowl right at 9:00 every night. Sometimes he wouldn?t wait till night? I would get to my parents house after work to pick up Emmy and I would find the empty ice cream container on the kitchen counter still with the spoon in it. He would just sit there and grin? oh how I loved that grin. There was also the softer gentler side to my dad or as we labeled him a ?crybaby? He could never open a card with out getting all choked up?so this led to us buying humorous cards? somehow he still managed to shed tears for those as well. As I said earlier my dad blessed my life with his presence at the young age of 11, and he would always say ?girl there aint no steps in this house?? so I never referred to my dad as a ?step? dad. I recall going to my dr. appts. When I was expecting and they would go thru the medical history and I would begin to advise them of issues my dad had, then I would begin to laugh because I would remember oh yea we have different genes. But somehow I still inherited some of his habits, and his ways. I am truly my daddy?s girl. Most of you know my dad as your brother in Christ. He was such a supportive husband for my mother in her ministry to the church. He understood her dedication and was even considering becoming a lector from what my mom told me. My dad was a patient and understanding man. My dad gained a unique closeness with the lord and found true friendship within his brotherhood with his ACTS brothers. I will miss my father terribly however I know that he is at peace in the eternal life that has been promised to each of us. My father is no longer dealing with any of his ailments nor does he need the use of braces or a wheelchair. He is running and doing all the things he enjoyed. Yes we cry because we are sad, and want him here with us but I know in my heart my father is here today with me and will continue to be by my side should I need him in my troubled moments. He was given to us as a gift fron God, and it is now time to return him. My mother and I now have yet another guardian angel to watch over us and our family. So in my fathers own words it is now time for us to ?build a bridge and get over it? Until we are united again as a family I will continue to wait to feel your presence in the whispers of the wind , the rays of sunlight on my face, or the lingering scent of your cologne?the cologne I can still taste on my lips after I would kiss you goodbye. I want to thank our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us the strength to walk this journey and be at such peace to know that my dad now has eternal life. I also want to thank each and every one of you for being a constant support to my mother and my family. Your continuous thoughts and prayers have brought us such comfort in this time of sorrow?and I see how much my father was loved by everyone. Right now my dad is looking down and is so happy that he is being celebrated by all the individuals he loved most and in the best place ever San Fernando Cathedral. May God bless each and every one of you.

hmmm... what to say? well not sure if anyone really knew but i just happened to live w/ my grandaddy & grandma. we had our share of battles & we had our wonderful moments. i always remember getting home from school & him sitting in his chair and saying "your hair looks nice"! ha. i thought it was the funniest thing. he would spoil me rotten as well. always wanted the best for his "all-star cheerleader". grandaddy, yes i am sad but at the same time glad to know your in a much better place... & much more quiet. ha. you always said we were "all" too darn loud. : well i love you & miss you. & i'll see you very soon. love your grandaughter, glo-bug

Mary, I just heard about Bill today and I am so very sorry. I have so many fond memories of Bill and the times we were making tamales before Christmas. Bill was always a joy to be around and will be missed by all who knew him. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time and please accept my deepest sympathy.

With Our Deepest Sympathy
From Dr.Morales Staff

Mary and Gloria, 
 My deepest sympathies are with you at Bill's passing. Some of my fondest memories at Centex Homes was Bill and the way he made me laugh and his dedication to his job. I have missed him over the years, and pray that God will give you strength to get through this. With Love, Peggy Scheideman

Mary, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking and praying for you and your family.

My Daddy.... Oh how these days are growing longer and longer. I just sit here staring at your chair imagining all of out talks and remembering every detail of your face. I know that you are resting and doing all the things you enjoyed in life...that should keep you occupied till we are joined once again as a complete family. My dad... was such a loving a caring man... never giving up on anyone no matter what they may have done that was wrong or not in good choice. He came to our lives and was such a blessing...This was my dad... my true dad...I will miss seeing that sparkle in his eyes and that grin of his....I am sure he is "rocking out" in heaven and by now has met up with my mammo and uncle Joe. I will never let a day go by without thankling God for him and bringing my family such joy to our lives. I will miss you daddy!

Dear Mary and Family: 
May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our 
Father comfort your hearts. 
We love you and pray that God will give 
you His help, His strength and His hope 
during this time of sorrow. 
We are here for you, 
Bernice and John McSween

I would just like to say that my uncle billy was loved very much by ALL his family here in Virginia! I am his niece and I have a 5 yr old daughter, a 2 yr old daughter, and a 4 month old son that I wish could have met him. I know MY uncle is in a better place and looking down on all of us!! I wish I had seen him more but we lived so far apart it was difficult to visit alot, but still the same I DID LOVE HIM AND I WILL MISS MY UNCLE BILLY!!! love ya

AMES FAMILY TRIBUTE Billy was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and lived most of his life in West Haven, a delightfully fun neighborhood, at 4013 County Street where children congregated and experienced many happy times! The home of our grandparents, Nita and Stanley Broda, was a spiritual place known for its love, peace, good food and caring for others. This place epitomized the greatest commandment expressed by Jesus to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love others as yourself. Billy is survived by three sisters ? Debbie Beal, Alicia Holmes and Missy Ames and three brothers ? Tim Ames, Willie Ames and Darryl Hale. His extended family includes three nieces ? Amber May, Morgan Hale, Maddie Ames, and; eight nephews ? Jason Ponton, Ryan May, William Holmes, Tyler Ames, Joshua, Tyler and Nathan Cook, Mason Hale and three great nieces and two great nephews. Our eldest brother, Billy as he was then known, had a deeply paternal nature and became responsible for his younger siblings. He made sure that all our needs were met and even some of our wants. He was attentive and nurturing, providing comfort and security always. As a teenager, with money from one of his first salary checks, he took Debbie and Alicia shopping for winter coats. Fondly, both can still remember the event and visualize the coats - one emerald green and the other tan with leaves. His kindhearted generosity that day impacted our lives and made a difference in who we are today. Billy attended Woodrow Wilson High School and Old Dominion University where he was one of the first male gymnast cheerleaders. Known for being gregarious and loving people; Billy was very popular in school and maintained long-term friendships with many in the Tidewater Virginia area. A very special friendship was formed with one of our County Street neighbors, Mary Anne Allen Mitcheltree. She and Billy sealed their friendship with a ?blood brother/sister? ritual connecting them and the rest of us together forever. Mary Anne truly is our sister and was dearly loved by Billy. He was paternal toward her and offered her lots of support, also! Billy joined the U.S. Army and was stationed both at Fort Belvoir and Fort Eustis during his military service. One of his first assignments was Clerk-Typist. He laughed and often joked that he was the fastest two fingered typist in the Army! Everyone who knew Billy thought he had a great sense of humor. He was very quick witted and could say something funny or positive instinctively! He was a committed sports fan and he, our brothers and our Dad had sports and sports trivia interests in common. Back in the day, his first real job was at McDonalds and he brought us samples at the end of his shift. He had a variety of jobs; his favorite was a Salesman at "Fines" and ?The Quality Men?s Shop?. There he learned how to be a ?clothes horse?, a quality he passed along to his siblings. Billy always was well dressed and took great pride in his appearance. The next career moves involved moving to Fort Worth and later to San Antonio to work in the construction business. Billy was dedicated to quality workmanship and always had high standards. He excelled at everything he set out to accomplish; always a true professional. Meeting the love of his life, Mary Guerro and her beautiful daughter, Gloria was one of life?s defining moments for Bill. He was quickly smitten and devoted to Mary, Gloria and his family - loving them dearly! As time passed, Gloria had a family. She and Emilio, ?glo-bug, doodle-bug, and no-a-bug? or we know them Glorianna, Emily and Noah brought lively interactions. They were real ?bright spots? in Bill?s life. He was thrilled to be a Dad and a Granddad! Billy encouraged them to visit often giving them advice and counsel and fun times to remember at times making them squeal with delight! His interest in making others happy was demonstrated continually and always in the forefront of his thoughts. After brushing his teeth, one of Bill?s favorite things was passing out ?fresh kisses? to all of ?his girls? in the house who were interested in his expression of affection! Looking forward to vacations; Bill loved water sports and snorkeling or sailing in Cozumel or Merritt Island, Florida. He was a true animal lover. We bought him a baby goat when he lived in the country and he named him ?Billy?. He still loved him after he grew up and ate the shingles off his shed. Go figure? The day we brought BoBeagle home his face lit up with glee just like the face of a child! Each of us have lots of beautiful memories of family events, birthdays, trips, vacations, holidays where our family experienced great fun, friendship, understanding and support, caring and unconditional love. We have all been impacted by the life our eldest brother, Bill. His journey to eternal life has begun. The Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Billy is enjoying his heavenly promotion and reward with those who have gone before. We are hope filled?knowing that we will see Bill again in Heaven one day. This is our hope and true destiny. We will miss Bill but we will be close to him as we hold him dear to our hearts forever. We love you, Bill and commemorate your life and contributions to the lives of others!

It's hard to convey in just so many words the fond memories I have of Billy over our life times. Recently I ran across a picture of him taken with me & two other 9 mo. olds Addie E. & Marion from County St. Portsmouth, VA. What a happy foursome we were--Billy with the biggest smile of all! Under the loving guidance of their grandparents Nita/"Nannie" & Stanley/"Stosh" Billy was always such a loving caregiver for his younger sisters Debbie & Alicia, and for me, too, as I've been just like their sister. Billy & I stayed in touch through the years--some times closer than others. From our childhood adventures on County St. with his sisters, my brother Norman, other friends Linda, Addie E. & Marion--what a fun childhood we all had! to later as young adults experiencing our ups & downs that came along, we added many happy times & warm memories. Then much later when I moved to TX and worked for him in the rapidly expanding D/FW housing boom in the early '80s, I gained insight into another of his talents: as a manager. He was always driven to consistently provide his best performance, and he expected no less of all others. He, Danny another mgr., Mona, Chris finance/purchasing mgr. and I all made up quite a winning team during that housing heyday. What memories we made during that time! When he furthered his career relocating to San Antonio, I knew he had found true happiness when he met & married Mary. She was absolutely the love of his life along with her daughter, Gloria, & later her children. After I had moved back to VA, we my husband Dave & I were so lucky when he, Mary & their granddaughter "Glo-bug" came to visit one Christmas. My memories of Billy are numerous and very special. I'm sure they'll continue to warm my heart through the years to come as others' memories will for Mary and his many other loved ones there in TX, back here in VA, FL and elsewhere. My regret is that we hadn't spoken recently and that his playful spirit has been taken from us so soon. This should convey a message to all of us to cherish our loved ones in the here & now with the assurance we'll all be together again in the hereafter in the presence of our Lord. Imagine that!

Mr. Bill loved his girls. I know they will miss him. He loved his family more than any thing and they loved him. His house was always open to everyone and we all felt welcome when we came. I know right now Mary can not see ahead, but we will all be there for her. We will make bill proud of us. God Bless and keep him. Eternal rest grant on to him O Lord and let the perputal light shine on him, May he rest in peace Amen. 
May the angels come to greet you and take you to the new Jersulem.

I was a good friend of Billy's when he lived in Portsmouth and was also married to his sister Alicia. Was sorry to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. David Ponton

Bill was such a wonderful man, I truly enjoyed his participation in our bible study class and I will truly miss him. God Bless him, Mary and the entire family. Peace, Lizette

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Mary at this very sad time. We know Bill will be at rest in his new home.

When I heard the sad news of Billy's passing, childhood memories began flashing before my eyes like an old time movie.....jittery scenes moving at accelerated speeds brought back times from long ago. They took me back to playing hide and seek on County Street, catching fireflies on hot summer nights, and playing ball in the Allen's tremendous front yard. Recollections of almost daily visits to Billy's grandmother's house, where the doors were always unlocked and all the neighborhood children were welcome. Remembering also, Billy's eyes that seemed to dance and sparkle when he laughed. How fortunate to have such fond memories of Billy. Memories that will be forever with me. My deepest sympahty to his family. Farewell Billy.

His love to me was always warm,and being his nurse was my favorit part.

I met Bill at an ACTS retreat. He was a friend to everyone and had a great sense of humor.

Billy was a wonderful cousin. I have wonderul memories of getting to see him at Nannies house in Portsmouth, VA. He was vibrant, fun, full of energy and always on the go. I know he is with our Lord in Heaven. Blessings on your Billy!

Bill was a friend and associate during the years he lived in Fort Worth. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

OBITUARY

William H. Ames, IV

July 17, 1948 – May 1, 2008

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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