Bill, as he was called, was born in Nursery Texas to Jewel Benton Ralls and Ozelle Bedwell Ralls; he had ten brothers and sisters. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
Bill proudly worked his own way through the University of Texas, receiving a Bachelor of Business of Administration degree in 1962. After graduation, he went to work at The Houston Chronicle. First, he worked as a Credit Manager, and later became the Director of Administrative Services. During his 39 years at The Chronicle, Bill started the Houston Chronicle Federal Credit Union, and was the founder of the First Edition, an organization for long time employees and retirees. He was also president of the Advertising Media Credit Executive Association, and was awarded Credit Man of the Year.
Bill served for four years in the Army Reserve military branch. He was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Houston Chamber of Commerce, in which he received several lifetime awards. Bill served for several years on the board of Search, a voluntary service to help the homeless.
After retirement from The Chronicle, Bill, being the entrepreneur that he was, started Statewide Traffic Company and High Loads. He also fueled his passion for restoring the old by developing homes in Garden Oaks, and resurrecting a family cemetery in Arkansas. He liked to "Turn old things into new." Being a country boy, he loved his ranch in Brenham, and riding around on his tractor. Bill also liked to travel the world with his wife, Edith.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of fifty one years, Edith Ohrt Ralls, two daughters, Kimberly Ralls and Christine Ralls-Spanos, his son in law, Joseph Spanos, and his grandsons, Anthony Spanos and John Spanos. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Bobby G. Ralls, J. B. Ralls, Molly Sumerline, Patsy Price, Nancy Orcutt, Johnny Ralls, Gail Leur, and Kenneth Ralls. Bill is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Monica; his brother, Monty Ralls; his sister, Joy Harlow and his parents.
Bill will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery following a Celebration of Life in the Chapel of Pat H. Foley & Company on Saturday, March 30 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Friday, March 29 from 6:00 to 9:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First National Bank of Dierks Bank in care of the Old Brown Ralls Cemetery in Dierks, Arkansas.
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