On April 22, 2020, our dear William was called to the Lord. A passionate and devoted husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, best friend, educator, inspirer, gourmet cook, lover of birds and other creatures great and small, world traveler, a connoisseur of fine wines and scotches, an expert storyteller, a collector of Southwest and Navajo art, who had a sense of humor that was unrivaled.
Along the journey to adulthood, William worked his way through college supplementing his income as a dental technologist. He also taught at Ferris State University, where he met his future wife, Linda. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at Central Michigan University. To complete his education, he obtained a Doctorate from Texas A&M University.
When he went to work for Baylor College of Medicine, one of his greatest joys was communicating with high school students, interviewing and preparing them to choose a health career that would align with their strengths by creating opportunities for them to compete successfully in their respective fields.
Tenacious about helping others, as a professor, he worked hard to bridge businesses, communities, and educators together in broad alliances to better expand advancement in the medical fields for minority students.
William was also a history buff and so enjoyed watching Jeopardy. He never tired of his work for Baylor, and most weekends you would find him upstairs office with his cockatiel, Sydney.
He was always supportive of his wife’s work in teaching and many nights when she came home dragging her feet, he would have a veritable gourmet feast ready for her. They had a profound relationship for 48 years. He also loved and appreciated his many friends.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to celebrate a life well-lived by making a donation in his name to StJude.org or give to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18