William R. Denman

William R. (Bill) Denman, Jr.

Robert lee

William R. (Bill) Denman, Jr. passed away April 7, 2016, at the age of 88. Bill was born in Robert Lee, Texas, on October 23, 1927, to William R. and Ruth Bell Denman. Bill graduated from Texas City High School, attended Tyler Junior College and played on TJC's inaugural football team under Coach Floyd Wagstaff. He attended Sul Ross College, North Texas, and Stephen F. Austin University. He received his BA and Masters of Education from Stephen F. Austin University. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and played for their football team at the naval base in San Diego.

On June 1, 1951, he married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Watson of Gladewater.

Bill's career in education included coaching in Shelbyville and Kingsville. He was a high school principal in Baird and Superintendent of schools in Hobbs, Texas. He retired as superintendent of Irion County ISD in Mertzon, TX

After retiring, Bill and Mary returned to Baird where he became the City Manager. He was instrumental in bringing the antique industry to West Texas.

Bill and Mary enjoyed traveling all over North America in their RV.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Tommy Joy Denman.

He is survived by his wife Mary Denman of Tyler; sister Charlotte Prickett of Carrollton; three children Billy Denman and his wife Juliee Denman of Tyler, Barbara Blair and her husband Dean Blair of Lake Jackson, Don Denman and his wife Christy Denman of Carrollton; and six grandchildren Brooke Denman of Austin, Derek Denman of Houston, Christopher Blair of League City, Randy Blair of Lake Jackson, Rial Denman and Elijah Denman of Carrollton.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.