Billy Dean (Bill) Gardner, age 80, of College Station, Texas passed away peacefully August 2, 2017. In death, as in life, he was surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Bill will be remembered for his determination and “never say can’t” attitude, his passion for excellence, his storytelling and his love and devotion for family and friends. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of almost 63 years, Carline; daughter, Kathy (Bill) Dugat; son, Jeff; grandchildren Will (Susan) Dugat, Josh (Nicole) Dugat, Chelsea Gardner and Travis (Josie) Gardner; great-grandchildren Liam Dugat and Hudson Dean Gardner; and sister, Helen Ellis. Bill lovingly answered to “Little Granddaddy,” “LG” or “G.” During their life together, Bill and Carline moved across Texas as they followed Bill’s career and grandchildren’s lives.
Bill was born in Wellington, Texas in the midst of a legendary dust storm. He spent his childhood on a farm where he learned the importance of hard work and ingenuity. Bill loved to tell stories about his days at Wellington High School where he was president of the senior class, played football, boxed and established lifelong friendships. Bill’s college years were spent at West Texas State University (WT) where he studied geology, accounting and “life.” During his lifetime, Bill worked as a grocery store clerk, diesel locomotive mechanic, manager and cook in a café, night bookkeeper and account analyst for a bank, and CPA. The majority of his professional career was devoted to serving as the chief financial officer of both WT and Texas A & M-Corpus Christi. Bill was a firm believer in the importance of education and worked diligently during his career to champion higher education in the Texas legislature. He served on the board of TASSCUBO for many years and received numerous awards for his work in higher education.
Bill believed in teamwork and serving others. His volunteer efforts included church work, little league baseball, professional golf tournaments and the USS Lexington Museum. He was an avid football fan and loved to be outdoors. Bill and Carline’s hospitality was legendary. He was a wonderful storyteller, an encourager, a problem solver and reader. Nothing was more important to him than family, friends and his faith.
A memorial celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 26th at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station, TX. Memorial contributions can be made to Cal Farley’s Boys’ Ranch or the Music Department at Christ UMC College Station, TX.
Carline and family: I was sorry to hear of the death of Billy. I count it a blessing to have known him and have him as a friend. I have many fond memories of our high school days together. He was a blessing to everyone he came in contact with.
Calvin Hiett
Carline and Helen, I was so sorry to hear about Bill. He will be greatly missed. We are so happy that we got to visit with him at our reunion. He was truly one of the good guys. You all will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Sharon & Darryl
Carline- We are so so very sorry to learn of your precious Bill’s death. You have had many happy wonderful years together, and that will certainly leave a void in your life. But you will rejoice in your joining together again in God’s kingdom. I know the Angels were singing as they escorted your Bill into the gates of Heaven! God bless you and keep you close, giving you comfort and strength, my Dear Friend. Love you, Johnnie
My heart Felt sympathy to Carline and Jeff and Kathy on the loss of Uncle Bill. I know there is lots of laughter and celebration in heaven right now as brother’s and sisters are United. It’s not so easy for the rest of us. Prayers for peace and comfort to the Gardner family! Much love.
Teresa Burns
So sorry to hear about Bill. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Carline and family. Bill was one of a kind. Always cheerful and smiling ready to make you laugh.
We are so thankful we got to visit with Bill last year at our class reunion in Wellington.
Love & Prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing . I had the pleasure to meet and get to know him through Texas A&M System office. He was a wonderful person that I enjoyed talking to. My prayers are with each of his family members. Rest in Peace Billy!
Sweet Carline and family –
My sincere condolences to you during this difficult time. Bill (aka: Chief) will remain in our hearts and be missed! He now sits next to our Lord on the bench, while getting his daily Vit D. May love, comfort and fond memories surround you. Hugs!!