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Bill Scanlon Obituary

November 13, 1956 - June 2, 2021 William Neil Scanlon passed away peacefully in Park City, UT after a brief struggle with a very aggressive cancer. Born in Dallas, TX, Bill was an accomplished tennis player at the junior, collegiate and professional levels. He won the NCAA Tennis Singles Championships in 1976 as a college sophomore at Trinity University and began a professional tennis career at the age of 19. During his successful 13-year professional career, he won seven singles titles and two doubles titles and achieved a career-high world singles ranking of #9. He is known for having recorded the only Golden Set (winning a set 6-0 without the loss of a single point) in the history of men's professional tennis. The feat still is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. Bill was inducted to the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame and the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame. He founded the Dallas Youth Foundation in 1984 to provide sports activities to Dallas area youth featuring instruction from professional and Olympic athletes. He has also served on the ATP Board of Directors, the board of the Southern California Tennis Association and the USTA Davis Cup committee. He was chairman of the Carl Reiner Celebrity Pro-Am tournament and was co-founder of the Beverly Hills Invitational. After retiring from professional tennis in 1990, Bill became a professional investment advisor, and later established his own firm based in Los Angeles. He authored two books, including Bad News for McEnroe and Zen Tennis – Playing In The Zone. He lived in Los Angeles and most recently in Park City, UT. Bill and his wife Stephanie have led a very full and loving life together for the last 20 years. He is preceded in death by his father Phillip Scanlon and mother Hannah (Bino) Scanlon. In addition to his wife Stephanie, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law John and Julie Scanlon, sister and brother-in-law Jeanne and Scott Ferguson, nephew and nieces Ben, Meghan and Marina Scanlon and Logan and Kacey Ferguson. Family will be honoring Bill's life privately.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Jun. 3 to Jun. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Scanlon

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Philip Schaedler

June 1, 2025

I met Bill through Stefanie some years ago in Los Angeles, and I´ll always be grateful for that. I had the chance to visit them at the ranch a few times, and we even went skiing together. After skiing, back at the ranch, Bill and I would head outside feeding carrots to Flasher and Amazing, (we never seemed to have enough carrots lol) in a gorgeous winter sunset setting as the background. Truly magical memories. White horses playing in the snow at sunset, it really felt like something out of a dream.
While running out of carrots, we had some great conversations-brainstorming business ideas and sharing laughs. One fond memory that comes to mind is, when he revealed to me how he learned to recognize and manage his ego and that in turn helped him reach the next level in his tennis career leading all the way up his incredible success. I really admired the fact that this man had a keen self awareness and he always seemed to ponder things. And then, there was the "Genie in the bottle story".
Bill was such a great guy-kind, thoughtful, and full of life. I think of him often.

Philipp

May 31, 2025

had the pleasure of meeting Bill a few years back through his wife, Stefanie.
He was such a great guy-always self-reflective and eager to improve himself by changing habits that could help him reach his goals. We spent a good amount of time talking about that subject and we even came up with some great business ideas together.

One fond memory I have is after a ski trip with Bill and Stefanie-we walked over to see the two horses, Flasher and Amazing, and fed them carrots. We never seemed to bring enough carrots; they always wanted more. :-)

I think of him often. He was a very grounded and straightforward person.

William Coffin

May 30, 2025

YEARS HAVE GONE BY BUT HE IS STILL IN MY MEMORY AND WILL BE FOREVER

Jane K Gill

May 29, 2025

I met Bill at Wimbledon with Mrs. Scanlon watching the final between Bjorn Borg and Roscoe Tanner every time I watch a major tournament like I am right now I´m watching the French I think of Bill he was an amazing athlete, but more importantly he was a good friend

Pamela Stanley

May 28, 2025

Just thinking of Bill today, along with Stephanie. Sending love & remembering wonderful moments.

Margaret Ann Schooler

September 17, 2024

Bino and I were friends at Transfiguration Church . Years have flown by. So many memories of Jeanne and all the Scanlonsl

Philipp Schaedler

May 29, 2024

He is greatly missed and I think if him often!

Philipp Schaedler

May 31, 2023

Missing him greatly! Still very hard to believe he is no longer with us. Strength and support to Stephanie and family.

Pam Stanley

May 28, 2022

With sadness, I realize that a year has almost passed. Bill, you were truly a Texas gentleman and you are sorely missed. I hope you are lobbing tennis balls in heaven and I send love to Stephanie and all the family.

Tom Barton

July 28, 2021

Bill and I were friends at Northwood Club and played tennis together. He loved to volley and hit me in the stomach over and over. To say the least, his hands were infinitely quicker than mine and he would laugh every time he hit me. Bill had a great sense of joy when clowning around on the tennis court and he never stopped smiling. He was a local hero, obviously, but we all liked him because he made relationships fun. Heaven awaits.

Pam Stanley

June 9, 2021

I am in total shock! How could such a vibrant, kind, smart & loving man be taken so soon. I’ve know Bill’s wife since before they met. I’ll never forget the look in her eye when she told me about him. I watched their live grow & grow. There has never been a more perfect match. They loved each other intensely. I always saw the love in their eyes & heard the love in their voices when they spoke of one another. My heart goes out to you, Stephanie. I know this is going to be tremendously hard for you. I’m there for whatever you need. I send my love. God has a new angel.

bob yates

June 8, 2021

Traveled with Bill on '77-'80 WCT tours. Great player, greater person. Shocked to hear of his passing. Congrats to him on a wonderful life and career, sincerest sympathies to his family.

Martin Lange

June 7, 2021

Ich habe Ihn nur ein paarmal getroffen hier in Deutschland und habe Ihn als sehr freundlichen und angenehmen Menschen kennen gelernt.

William K Terrell

June 7, 2021

Billy Scanlon God called you home too early. Even though I have not seen you in years, our tennis friendship is eternal. I look forward on the day when I join you in Heaven and we can hit a few balls! God Bless.

Tom Koch

June 6, 2021

As the tennis writer for the Dallas Times Herald and later as the PR person for World Championship Tennis, I considered Bill to be topnotch in talent and manner throughout his career. I had three plaques made of the scorecard when he accomplished the "Golden Set" at WCT Delray Beach in 1973 -- one to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, one to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and one to the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame. Then we gave the actual historic scorecard to Bill. My condolences to all in the family.

jane gill

June 5, 2021

You lived your life to the fullest
I am shocked and so saddened to hear of your passing. My memories of time spent with you bring a smile to my face I will always keep them close to my heart. Rest In Peace ❤

Silke

June 4, 2021

He was such a very warmhearted and kind person. So sad that he left the world. RIP

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Jean Bonini

Planted Trees

Faith kates

June 4, 2021

I hadn’t seen Bill in many years, then a few years ago I was in park city and ran into Bill with his beautiful wife he was so kind it was like we had spoken yesterday when I heard tonight of Bill’s passing it brought me back to a very special time in both our lives. Bill R.I.P. you will never be forgottengo fly with the Angeles.

Faith kates

June 4, 2021

I hadn’t seen Bill in many years, then a few years ago I was in park city and ran into Bill with his beautiful wife he was so kind it was like we had spoken yesterday when I heard tonight of Bill’s passing it brought me back to a very special time in both our lives. Bill R.I.P. you will never be forgottengo fly with the Angeles.

Anonymous

June 4, 2021

Bill was always generous with his time and knowledge. He had a huge influence on me as a coach and my players. He always brought intensity to practice and I always loved hearing his war stories of his time training with Lendl. We had massive respect for his accomplishments and insights. His legacy in tennis will surely live on forever.

Bruce Harrison

June 4, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. His tennis legacy I deeply admired, and his kind and calm personality is a heart felt memory. Sending our love to his family.

Anja Freese-Binder

June 3, 2021

I will remember Bill as a very youthful , outgoing ,kind hearted man ,always here to help and always on the positive side of life.I wish I would have had the chance to spend more time with Stephanie and Bill together.
I cannot yet believe he is not among us anymore.
He will continue to live in our memories as the inspiring soul he was.
Rest in peace Bill .

Tiên Holmes

June 3, 2021

I KNOW Bill was an exceptional guy because every time I would ask Steph how were they doing she would always say and ONLY say we’re FANTASTIC. What a life he lived and finding the love of his life, Stephanie. He has blessed each and everyone of us in one way or another. Thank you Bill ! Stephanie, your spiritual sister from California is by your side xoxoxoxox!

Gregory De Hart

June 3, 2021

Scorpio evolves to Eagle...

Creig Matthieson

June 3, 2021

Rest In Peace Bill. Condolences to your entire family. Fond memories of all the times Bill and I hit at the University Club in Dallas. A great friend for a life time. Creig Matthieson

Mark Johnson

June 3, 2021

Bill was a good friend and kindred spirit. We shared a lot of laughs and meals and UCLA basketball games and it was all too short. If he is reincarnated as some kind of animal I’m sure it will be graceful, strong and run like the wind.

Sally and Fred Ho

June 3, 2021

Bill is one of our closest friends. He was the best man at our wedding. He was our guest at most birthdays and anniversaries. We went to Athens, Georgia for his induction. He was also our business advisor. He carried Fred in winning the 100 years and 120 tennis tournaments at the Riviera Tennis Club culminating in winning the Open Division doubles in 2002. Bill, we will miss you very much. Stephanie, just ask and we will do everything.
Sally and Fred Ho MD

Rick Meyer

June 3, 2021

Bill was a great guy, a good friend and doubles partner and one hell of a tennis player. I will miss him. I already do. RIP.
Rick Meyer

Lee Danielson

June 3, 2021

All that knew Bill understood what first class man he was. He was smart, kind and focused. I am very proud to have known Bill and send my deepest sympathies to Stephanie. They both were so fortunate to have each other. God Bless.

Philipp Schaedler

June 3, 2021

Way too soon!
Just only a few months ago we fed the horses on their ranch, had some interesting and profound conversations. Bill was a kind hearted, fun and one of a kind of a friend with an amazing soul and spirit.
You must be very important Bill, since they called you back over there early to work on a different mission than this life here.
You will be greatly missed. Until we see each other again.

Bill Coffin

June 3, 2021

there are few truly exceptional people in the world but my friend Bill was one of them and I will always be grateful for his kindness, enthusiasm, and inspiration. my deepest condolences to Steph and Bill's extended family and many friends

Bill Herd

June 3, 2021

Bill was always a gentleman and liked by everyone at Riviera. Owner of the golden set. RIP Bill

Ernesto Escobedo and family

June 3, 2021

We are going to miss you Bill. Thank you for all your help. It hurts.

June 3, 2021

As a incoming freshman at Trinity I and another freshman girl were playing tennis during orientation. Two guys were yelling from the “Animal” dorm wanting to join us. We said OK and started hitting with them. They were terrible - spraying balls everywhere. They suggested that we play games and we reluctantly agreed. The skinny one said he would serve. Zing the ball whizzed by us in a great serve. It was Bill who was now laughing his head off... Later he was in my religion class where I don’t think he ever realized that I was his earlier innocent freshman victim. I never said a word either!

David Couzens

June 3, 2021

He was a great player in a great era

Anonymous

June 3, 2021

Prayers to the family. I enjoyed his tennis game and the books he authored.

Brett Buffington

June 3, 2021

Rest peacefully Bill. Heaven has gained another extraordinary angel

Steven Siebert

June 3, 2021

Bill was so smart and passionate and was a guiding force to many people. It’s so sad to see him not with is any longer R.I.P a very good man!

Bob Shafer

June 3, 2021

I had the great fortune of working with Bill during and after his tennis playing days, I (Wilson) supplied him with tennis rackets since he was a 14 year old. I even had the good fortune of skiing Snowbird with Bill. Always a gentleman, always interested in what you were doing, always with that wry smile and a twinkle in his eye! You will be missed Bill, but the legacy you leave behind, besides a beautiful family, is your great deeds and lasting impression! God Bless you Bill, God Bless your family, may you Rest In Eternal Peace.

Tom Ingram

June 3, 2021

I am at a loss for words. Praying for his wife and family.

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