Search by Name

Search by Name

William Prestridge Hallman Jr.

1942 - 2020

William Prestridge Hallman Jr. obituary, 1942-2020, Fort Worth, TX

William Hallman Obituary

William Prestridge Hallman, Jr
September 5, 1942 - November 30, 2020
Fort Worth, Texas - William Prestridge Hallman, Jr. ("Bill"), a beloved husband, devoted father, benevolent curmudgeon, respected lawyer, and incomparable friend, died from complications of cancer at home surrounded by family on November 30, 2020. He left with no regrets, having lived a life of love, friendship, travel, meaningful work, and generous service. His steadfast moral compass and excellent judgment were invaluable to many people and organizations in the Fort Worth community and beyond.
Bill was born September 5, 1942, in Cleburne, Texas, the first child of Ida Ruth and William Hallman. At age 3, he contracted polio, which left one of his legs paralyzed but never limited his pursuit of interests. He played sandlot baseball, going to bat for himself and using a proxy to run the bases. His love of the sport and encyclopedic knowledge of baseball trivia never waned. He remarked frequently that, but for his polio, he would have aspired to play baseball professionally. He thought he "could have been a contender."
Through his youth and early teens, Bill had numerous experimental surgeries in hopes of preserving his ability to walk. The success of these procedures had a profound impact on his life and gave him a deep respect and reverence for doctors. His family is grateful for the exceptional care provided by his physicians, including Drs. Alan Davenport, Justin Martin, John Burk, John Heymach, Thomas Dewar, John Durand, Carlos Bagley, Cory Collinge and Sanjay Oommen. The wise counsel and close friendship of Dr. Jim Harper also has been invaluable to Bill and his family for many years.
From an early age, Bill was a voracious reader. The Cleburne library had a two-book limit that was quickly waived after the librarian took note of his insatiable appetite for reading. The approximately 7,000 books in his ever-growing home library filled every wall, double-stacked on floor to ceiling shelves. He read fiction (especially mysteries), biographies, essays, humor and satire, volumes about history, philosophy, physics, politics, baseball, art, music, film, and many domestic and international daily newspapers. His book collection was rivaled only by his vast and eclectic music library. A single playlist might include songs by a yodeling cowboy, a German army chorus, a bagpipe band, a symphony, and a '50s pop artist.
Bill received his bachelor's degree from Baylor University, law degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and MBA from Stanford University. Bill's time in Palo Alto coincided with the Vietnam War. He witnessed student demonstrations and took a week away from school to visit and observe Haight-Ashbury during the Summer of Love. His years at Stanford fostered a lasting love for the beauty and climate of Northern California and inspired him to see more of the world.
Bill started his career as a tax accountant in Dallas before practicing law. He met his best friend, Mark L. Hart, Jr., when he moved to Fort Worth to open a satellite office of Vinson & Elkins LLP and provide additional legal services for clients of prominent trial lawyer Dee J. Kelly. Mark and his wife Adele introduced Bill to the love of his life, Nancy. They recently celebrated 42 years of marriage.
In 1979, Bill co-founded the law firm Kelly, Hart & Hallman LLP, which has grown to more than 150 lawyers with 5 offices throughout Texas and Louisiana. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling client relationship with the Bass family. Through his work, Bill and Nancy met many of their closest friends—Robert and Mary Ann Cotham, Greg and Pam Kent, Don and Joanie McNamara, Martin and Judy Bowen, Dick Gushman, Sid Bass, and Clive Bode. They formed enduring bonds through spirited dinner parties, travel, epic road trips, and their Dull Person's New Year's Eve celebrations.
Bill gave generously of his time and resources to many non-profit organizations. A patron of the arts, he devoted decades of service to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. He also served on the board of Fort Worth Country Day.
During retirement, Bill enjoyed playing cribbage with the Arlington Heights Cribbage Club and lunches out with his regular group. His Saturday cribbage group played weekly until just before his passing.
Bill faced his stage IV lung cancer diagnosis with courage and dignity. Thanks to excellent care and medical innovations from MD Anderson, he was able to enjoy his final years without compromising his quality of life. Bill and his family were very grateful for this time together.
Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Law Hallman; daughter, Lee Hallman; son, Will Hallman; daughter, Mary Hallman Smith and husband Dwayne; grandchildren, Austin, Emily and Henry Smith; brother, Jim Hallman and wife Kathy; and sister, Ruth Hallman Scogin and husband Robert; sister-in-law Ann Harwood Niemiec; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Bill's memory may be directed to MD Anderson or to the charity of one's choice.

Published by Star-Telegram from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for William Hallman

Sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Billy (as we called him) was funny, smart, and someone I treasure to have known. The last time I saw him was at our 55th reunion...and I also met his lovely wife. Journalism class would not have been the same without Billy Hallman..who nicknamed me Scarlett O’Hara ...of course I think he knew that Gone With the Wind was one of my favorite books. He had a wonderful wit about him. Billy you will be missed. Prayers to your family.
Chris Sunderman Daniels.

Chris Daniels

Friend

December 6, 2020

I remember when we were starting Shakespeare in The Park Bill very patiently drew up the paperwork to make sure the organization was properly chartered. I don’t believe any of us had ever done anything like that before, and Bill’s presence was very reassuring in the whole process.

Norman Robbins

Friend

December 5, 2020

ROBERT SAVAGE

Classmate

December 4, 2020

Bill and I took a journalism class at Cleburne High and became friends. Once we graduated I kept up with Bill as our parents were very close friends. While Bill was serious about his studies ,he also had a sense of humor. For example, he always referred to me as “that Southern Bell” because he knew I didn’t like him to do that. I always knew he would do very well. I also had a disability and he was an inspiration to me as I kept up with him through our parents relationship

At his mother’s funeral and his dad’s I had a chance to visit with Bill. It was there I learned he had cancer. May he Rest In Peace and may God be with his family and hold them close as we celebrate his heavenly birth.

Phala Williams Finley

Classmate

December 4, 2020

My earliest memory of Bill is his “holding court” with his siblings and cousins from his room in the house on Stanwood. A born leader and a benevolent one. Loved his urbane, witty way, Anglophilia and immense erudition across many fields. You are already much missed, Cousin!

Susan James

Family

December 4, 2020

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in William Hallman's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for William Hallman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Hallman's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more