Bill Clyde Whitaker, 63, passed away August 10, 2020.He was born June 6, 1957 in Luling, the first of three boys born to Roy C. “Curly” and Betty Whitaker.
He grew up on the Byrd Ranch in Dripping Springs, Tx trapping raccoons, hunting and fishing, and locking his brother in the feed room. Bill and some of his classmates would go to the Ranch during school lunch break and
skinny dip in the creek, swing from the rope swing and no telling what else.
Bill loved all sports and was an athlete himself, he was a great football player, an outstanding basketball player and an avid golfer. Bill was a very competitive individual who loved life and spent it in the fast lane,hence the nickname “Wild Bill.” He put his whole self into everything did, whether it was his work ethic on the job, his passion for sports or making the most of his down time. All this changed at the age of 40, when Bill was in an automobile accident which he miraculously survived, but was partially paralyzed. This took away his ability to do the things he loved most. The passion continued on but instead of actively participating he became a top fan and spent most of his time watching college and professional sports. It was pretty safe to bet that ESPN was on 24/7. It was a tossup on his favorite thing, either Texas Longhorn Football or his next meal. Yes he loved to eat and family came in at a close third unless you were family taking him out to eat which moved you into a definitive number one.
Although so much was taken from him and one might wonder why someone should survive only to be confined to your own body, but this allowed Bill to see his children find and marry their spouses and to know his four grandsons and two granddaughters, which were his pride and joy.
Bill is survived by his daughter Tara, husband Scott Byrnes and their children Lindsey, Caden, Caleb, Carson and Cadee of Yoakum, grandson Coltin Whitaker of LaGrange; former wife and mother of his children, Gay Lee; brothers, Brook and wife Dale Whitaker of Dripping Springs and Randy Whitaker of Creedmoor.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Roy C. “Curly” and Betty Whitaker; his only son Grant “Bubba” Whitaker; niece Kara Hudson and sister-in-law Paula Whitaker.
Graveside Service 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Shiner Cemetery with Rev. Chris Heinold officiating.
Arrangements by Thiele Cooper Funeral Home, 361-293-5656.
