Bill Petty

William Byers "Bill" Petty, Jr., a Texan from his birth March 26, 1940 in Merkel, died peacefully on April 6, 2016 in Hunt, Texas. \r\n \r\nHis early life was spent in Abilene, attending the local schools, graduating from Abilene High School six months early to enlist in the Army and served in the National Guard. After his time in the armed services he earned his Bachelor's of Business Administration from McMurray College in Abilene. Upon graduation Bill moved to Dallas pursuing a career in sales and marrying Kathleen Starbird King of Austin. Bill and his family moved to Austin in 1967 where he spent over three decades in the investments profession. \r\n \r\nIn 1982, Bill married Emily Kardow Petty blending two families and enjoyed raising their children in the Austin suburb of Westlake Hills. During those years, the family enjoyed many travels and adventures across the country and abroad. Bill was a highly engaged father with his children whether coaching their sports teams or attending various sports events for Scott, Will, Gwen and Blake. The children recall fond memories of playing golf, hunting, fishing, traveling and eating great food with him. During these family years he and his family were highly involved in the life of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church where Bill served as both a Deacon and Elder.\r\n \r\nOnce the kids went off to college, Bill and Emily moved to Hunt to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of the Texas Hill Country and both worked in the residential real estate business. They plugged into the Kerr County area and developed many wonderful friendships.\r\n \r\nAs a Christian, Bill's primary desire was to represent his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ well. He was an active and serving member of the Hunt United Methodist Church for nearly 20 years. He established the Tuesday morning men's Bible study in 1998, providing an opportunity for the men of the church to deepen their understanding of the scriptures and engaged in community service. One of his great joys was helping lead the annual fund raising event for 3H Pathways. His many friends recall his dedication to serving others and the positive impact of extending friendship to many in the community. His faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ sustained him throughout his years and in death, and now he lives in the presence of God.\r\n \r\nHe loved outdoor activities including dove and quail hunting, fishing, gardening, golfing, grilling and anything that brought his family together. Bill was also known for having a passion for great food, enjoying special meals and always delighted in finding a great BBQ joint. His family remembers him for his kind hearted and loving nature. \r\n \r\nHe was preceded in death by parents William Byers Petty, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Hamm Petty, brother-in-law, Thomas Adams of Brownfield. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Emily Kardow Petty; his son John Scott Petty and daughter-in-law, Virginia ("Gina") Bell Petty of Dallas and their children: Virginia Byers Petty, Benjamin Scott Petty, Margaret Anne Petty, Clayton Nelson Petty; his son William Byers Petty, III and his wife, Aimee Dubuque Petty of Austin and their children: Baker Brandon Petty and William Byers Petty, IV; his step-daughter Gwen Pickett and her partner, J.C. Curry of Austin; step-son Blake Pickett and his wife, Stephanie Nash Pickett, of Boerne; sister Marilyn Petty Adams of Brownfield; his Aunt Beth Hamm Hill of Grand Prairie; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. \r\n \r\nA memorial service honoring God and giving thanks to Him will be Monday, April 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hunt United Methodist Church in Hunt, Texas. The Reverend Mike Cave and The Reverend Samuel Hunnicutt will officiate with a reception following. \r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials in William Byers Petty, Jr's honor be given to Hunt United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 137, Hunt, TX 78024) designated to Tuesday Men's Bible Study which supports 3H Pathways for boys, to Peterson Hospice (1121 Broadway, Kerrville, TX 78028) or the charity of one's choice.\r\n