William Bixler Jr.

SAN ANTONIO -- William Glenn "Billy" Bixler Jr., passed away Sunday, June 17, 2018.

He was born April 15, 1942, to Marie McCrady and William Bixler Sr. in New Madrid County, Missouri. He grew up in the farming area of Missouri and attended school in Lilbourn, Missouri, along with his sister, Joyce, and brother, Ronnie.

He graduated from Lilbourn High School, where he was an outstanding band member and a strong academic student. After graduation and prior to joining his father in the farming business, he worked in St. Louis in the automobile industry and then joined the U.S. Army, where he had training in South Carolina and New Jersey.

The Bixler family moved to Louisiana for a larger farming operation. Billy was in the process of learning to fly an airplane, when Hurricane Betsy destroyed the plane. He was a successful farmer and could operate and repair the D9 Caterpillars for the land-clearing operation.

Billy and Sara Johnson married and became the parents of three children, Maria, Glenn and Leah.

He had always wanted to go to Australia since he read about the continent in a "Weekly Reader" in the fourth grade. Throughout his life, Billy was a ham radio operator. This also increased his interest in Australia since he developed several friendships over the air.

Several months after Leah was born, Sara and Billy took a two-week trip to Australia, where he investigated farming. The family then moved to Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, for seven years. While he was looking at properties to purchase, the next-door neighbor, who was a Realtor, suggested he get into the real estate business. He did just that and worked in the area even when the family returned to the U.S.

The family settled in Uvalde, Texas, where they lived for more than 30 years prior to moving to San Antonio five years ago. They settled in Uvalde since his parents had a property in that area. Billy served as president of the Uvalde Board of Realtors. He continued his study of real estate through companies in San Antonio and correspondence courses through Baylor University.

He was a Baptist.

Billy was always very supportive of his wife and children. Regardless of whatever work he was doing, he always made time to attend the children's activities whether elementary, secondary or university, as well as accompanying Sara to many school events, both athletic and academic activities. He was a good nurse when any of the family would be sick. His sense of humor kept the family entertained. When anything broke at home, he could usually repair the item.

Many have said, "Bill is the only person I know who can talk sensibly about any subject." He was a reader and one to watch the news. He thought people should investigate both sides of an issue.

He was proud of the children's accomplishments with master's degrees for all three and a doctorate for Sara. Many times Billy would drive Sara to university classes while she studied in the car. Of course, he was pleased with Lyle, Maria's husband; Lisa, Glenn's wife; and Dwayne, Leah's husband and the father of Luke and Kate.

Billy is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Bixler, and children Maria (Lyle) Honaski of Lakehills, Texas;, Glenn (Lisa) Bixler of Houston, and Leah (Dwayne) Williams of San Antonio; and grandchildren, Luke and Kate Williams of San Antonio. He is also survived by sister, Joyce (Wayne) Brower of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; brother, Ronnie Bixler of Wisner, Louisiana; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a number of aunts and uncles.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Seasons Alzheimer's Care for their continuous care and support and also for the support of family and friends.

Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. June 30 at Porter Loring Mortuary North Chapel, 2102 N Loop 1604 W in San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Baptist Church, 220 N. High Street, Uvalde, Texas; El Progreso Library, 301 W. Main Street, Uvalde, Texas; or Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road, San Antonio.

Sign the online guest book at www.porterloring.com.