WILLARD MERLE
TINSLEY, JR., was born February 4, 1937, in Houston, Texas, to Margie Bosley Tinsley and Willard Merle Tinsley. He passed away peacefully March 31, 2014.
He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother, Paul R. Tinsley (Randy).
Willard is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Richard D. Tinsley and Emily G. Tinsley, his sister-in-law Mary F. Tinsley, and by his nieces and nephews whom he adored, Robyn Tinsley, Allison and Karl K. Maier, Karl S. Maier and Tinsley Maier; Ann and Brian Billelo, Thomas Billelo and Tinsley Billelo; Sara and Joe Ratliff, Elle Ratliff and Emme Ratliff, and by many loving cousins and countless loyal, devoted friends.
Willard graduated from Lamar High School, Wharton Junior College, Stephen F. Austin University and Baylor Law School. In 1973 he joined the staff counsel of Wausau Insurance Company as its Managing Attorney. He returned to private practice in 1988. Over the next 25 years as a successful trial attorney, he litigated cases in both state and federal court and specialized in insurance defense, family law, personal injury law, and toxic torts. He was a member of the Texas Bar Association and the Houston Bar Association, and was also an experienced and successful mediator, conducting over 600 mediations and 15 arbitrations during his career. He served as a director on many civic and professional boards.
Willard developed enduring friendships in everything he did. He could make any time a better time. He was an exceptional athlete and team leader throughout his life. In school he established records as an extraordinary basketball player. He was the founder of Flag Football in Houston in 1977, which has grown to more than 200 teams involving some 7,000 players. More recently, golf was his game.
Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Willard during a visitation at Bradshaw Carter Funeral Home, 1734 West Alabama, Houston, Texas, 77098, on Thursday, April 3, 2014, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A memorial service celebrating Willard's life will be conducted in the sanctuary of St. Luke's Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer, Houston, Texas, 77027, on Friday, April 4, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.
Prior to the service, the family will gather for a private interment at Forest Park West Cemetery.
For those desiring to honor Willard with memorial gifts, the family gratefully suggests that those be made to the charity of your choice.