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Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home

601 North Alleghaney

Odessa, Texas

Bill Elms Obituary

ODESSA Bill G. Elms, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, civic leader, businessman, and faithful child of God, died peacefully surrounded by his family on November 7 in Odessa.
Bill was keenly aware of his blessings. After graduating from Odessa College and passing the CPA exam he rose to become the founding partner of Elms Faris Co., which developed into a large regional CPA and consulting firm. He was known for his honesty, loyalty and integrity in doing what was right for all involved.
A graduate of Odessa High School, he courted and married Anita Childress, a girl from church who caught his eye and won his heart. They were married for almost 60 years and worked together to create a strong, loving family. Together they cultivated in their children a love for God, country, community, and family.
Over time, Bill became the proud patriarch of an extended family of children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and more. His greatest joy was to have his family gathered together to celebrate holidays and share in life's blessings.
He was a long-time member of the 6th & Jackson Church of Christ.
Bill worked long hours developing his business, but was also active in local and regional politics for the good of the community, serving as an advisor and sounding board to many area political officials, and leading in numerous major advancements for the Permian Basin area.
He was a proud American, a prouder Texan, a committed West Texan, and a loyal Odessan. He took it as his welcomed duty to give back to his city. He was elected and served two terms as a county commissioner of Ector County. His countless investments to the welfare of Odessa were gratefully acknowledged by his being granted many awards.
He received the Heritage Foundation Award for Excellence in Community Service (1987), Odessa Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award (2006), Outstanding Citizen of Odessa (1977), Outstanding Young Men of America (1970), United Way of Odessa's Donavan R. William's Award, Who's Who in Accounting and Who's Who in America. He was inducted into the Odessa Business Hall of Fame (1996).
He was on the Ector County ISD Education Foundation (founding board member), Ector County Republican Women's Club (honorary lifetime member), Main Street Odessa (founding board member and first president), Odessa Boys and Girls Club (past president and board member), Odessa Beautiful (past president), Odessa Chamber of Commerce (past chair and lifetime board member), Odessa College Foundation (past president and founding board member), Odessa Country Club, Odessa Heritage Foundation, Odessa Industrial Development Corporation (past board chair and executive committee member), Odessa Jaycees (past president and board member), Odessa Junior Service League (advisory board member), Odessa Rotary Club, Odessa Village Place Trust (board of trustees member), Permian Basin Area Foundation (past vice chair and advisory board member), Permian Playhouse of Odessa (board member and past treasurer), Texas Tech University's Chancellor's Council and the United Way of Odessa (lifetime board member, past president and past resource chair).
Elms was a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and its Permian Basin chapter and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He was recently honored by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for maintaining his Texas Certified Public Accountant license for 50 years.
Bill's second love outside of his hometown was the 4E, the family ranch in Burkett, Texas, where he spent long weekends after retiring to enjoy the big sky and quiet nights. On those long weekends he became a regular at the Burkett Church of Christ where he made many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lorene Elms, brother Norman, son, Steven, and grandson, Bobby.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anita, who never left his side to the very end, his sons Tracy of Midland and Clark of Dallas, daughter Terri (Joe) of Louisville, Kentucky, five grandchildren, Kara, Carly, Steven, Murray and Luke, two great-grandchildren Max and Kathryn, and his sisters, Maxine Newton and Doris Roberson, sisters-in-law Jackie Bell and Janie Widner, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home on Thursday, November 8 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at the 6th and Jackson Church of Christ on Friday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts be made to United Way of Odessa and Permian Basin Area Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Odessa American on Nov. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Elms

Not sure what to say?





Randy Pryor

September 17, 2013

I just found out about Bill's passing. I was trying to send an audit client. I just want you all to know that I looked up to Bill all of my life as my mentor in public accounting. He helped me throughout my career in that profession. I am saddened bigtime today finding this out. My prayers go to you Anita and all of your family. I have and always will treasure my years with him and all of your children. I will never ever forget his part in my success in public accounting. What an honor it was working with that man. His integrity, community service, and love for God is a given every time I have thought about him.

Ed Elfert

November 13, 2012

Tracy,
Your dad was a well known, great guy. Your family was blessed.

Sudhir Srivastava

November 11, 2012

Dear Anita and family. Elizabeth, Vishwa, Deepti and I are extremely sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He will be sorely missed. We really enjoyed the friendship and love for many years. Our prayers with everyone.

Sabrina Melton

November 9, 2012

Tracy- I'm so sorry to hear about your father. He was such a good man and always a pleasure to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

william cook

November 9, 2012

Bill knew how to be a friend. God has gained a good friend and advisor. I will always remember you Mr. Elms.

William R. Cook

November 9, 2012

Anita, we were so sorry to hear about
Bill. Both of you are very special to
us. We send our prayers and condolences
to you and your family.
Pete and Sherlene

Alan & Sandy Boyd

November 9, 2012

Tracy

Son sorry for your loss. May God's word comfort you at this time.

Karen Young

November 9, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Elms family at this difficult time. God Bless

Rachel Calderon-DelaCerda

November 9, 2012

Anita and all the Elms family, our love and prayers during this sad time. Bill leaves an incredible legacy and I am honored to have him as a friend and mentor. Rest in those loving arms of Jesus in complete Peace!

Clint Hurt

November 9, 2012

Anita, Tracy and all the Elms family....my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Hopefully, the many happy memories you created together will help you through this sad time.

Tiffany Drummond

November 9, 2012

Oh Tracy. I am so sorry. Your father was such a sweet man!!! Your family will be in my prayers! Love Tippy Drummond

November 9, 2012

Tracy, you are in my thoughts.

Mike McGregor

Carmen orosco

November 9, 2012

What a great man and a great loss for Odessa. May God our Father give the family peace.

Betty Wall (Amburgey)

November 9, 2012

Dear Anita, am sending my deepest sympathy and prayers at this sad time.

Erika and Oscar Scremin

November 9, 2012

Dear Anita, our thoughts are with you in these difficult days for the family. We enjoyed meeting Bill at Kara and Luciano's wedding and will never forget him. Love from Erika and Oscar Scremin and family.

November 8, 2012

Mrs. Elms, he was someone us kids all looked admired. God bless, Clark I am sorry.....the Cable family
Lakeway, Texas

Phyllis (Evans) Dixon

November 8, 2012

Anita, so sorry to hear about your husband. Know that you are in my prayers and that I will be praying for strength for you during this time and days to come.

November 8, 2012

Our prayers are with Anita and family. We will always remember Bill and some wonderful memories.Jim and June Jackson

Roy Aldridge

November 8, 2012

Anita...stay strong....we know its tough losing Bill,but you have to love of your family and friends....roy

November 8, 2012

Dear Anita and Family, I am so sorry about Bill. He will be missed. My love to all of you. Gloria Lewis Woodard, Class of 1953

h Ron Stephens

November 8, 2012

Anita, so sorry for Bill's passing, now in your quite time you have all the special memories the two of your built together and now you share them in silence. My God hold you in his strong arms, but gentle hands.

John W Davis

November 8, 2012

Sorry to hear about Mr. Elms. He will always hold a place in my heart for giving me my first chance to fly airplanes for a living. We had a lot of fun flying around Texas ans family vacations in Mexico.

I'll will pray for God to ease your heavy hearts.

Pam Roper

November 8, 2012

Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I never had the opportunity to meet your Dad but I know he was highly thought of.

David Chapman

November 8, 2012

Love outlasts our frail bodies. Good endures. Peace to all blessed by Bill.

Larry Bethune

November 8, 2012

I am a member of the "Neighborhood," Joe's clergy friends who gathered annually at the 4E, thanks to Bill's and your generosity. Our prayers are with you all for God's comfort and peace in these days.

Keith Earle

November 8, 2012

God bless you and your family.

Ron & Carolyn Goodpasture

November 8, 2012

Anita, our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Bill was a wonderful man.

November 8, 2012

A great pioneer for the republican party and a good friend to my family. Will miss Bill's wit and wisdom..

Love to the Elms family. Ray & Betty McKim

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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