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William Clitheroe Obituary
"Billy Raye" was born in Beaumont, TX on Aug 16, 1932 to William Ernest Clitheroe and Mittie Raye Currey Clitheroe.
Bill graduated from Pasadena High School in 1950 and attended Southwest Texas State and graduated from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston in 1957.
After graduation he entered the Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the dental corp. Following his service in the army, Dr. Clitheroe returned to Houston in 1959 to begin his private dental practice. He was a beloved family practioner until his illness. Dr. Clitheroe was a member of the ADA, TDA, Greater Houston Dental Society and the American Association of Dental Insultants. He was a Fellow in both the American and International College of Dentists and held leadership positions at every level of organized dentistry. Dr. Clitheroe organized and chaired the Endowment Fund for the University of Texas Dental Branch and was a mentor to many dental students and dentists over the years. He was also a past president of the alumni associations of SWTSU and UTDB Houston.
He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.
Billy Raye was also an avid mariner, enjoying many happy hours with his friends on the water.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sara McConnico Clitheroe; son Dr. Lee Clitheroe and wife Debbie of Missouri City TX; daughter Dr. Carie King and husband Dr. Ricky King of Ft. Worth TX; son Dr. Scott Clitheroe and wife Jen of Austin TX. Grandad Bill was proud of his wonderful grandchildren, Jenny, Jimmy and Patick King; Justin, Tori and Will Clitheroe.
He is also survived by his sister Doris Norton and husband John of Greenville Texas and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
After a private graveside service, a celebration of his life will be held at 2pm June 14th, 2014 at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 9600 S. Gessner Hou, TX 77071.
BYOB-RS,"Bring Your Own Billy Raye Stories", to a reception at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in honor of Billy Raye to the UTSD Alumni Foundation or the outreach program at Epiphany, ECHOS or chairity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Clitheroe
Ray Clitheroe
December 12, 2024
Please accept our deepest condolences from the "AUS Clitheroe Family". I did not know "Billie-Ray" personally, but I did know of him. I apologise for my delayed condolences, of 10years, to the "USA Clitheroe Family" of Dr. W.R. Clitheroe DDS but I have only just found the celebration of his Life. Modern technology has shrunk the World and linked distant Families. All the Best to the USA Clitheroe Family for Christmas and Happy New Year 2025.
Craig and Leslee Price
June 26, 2014
Just heard the terrible news today.
He was a helluva guy.
Leslee and I were patients before we were married and discovered we had the same " guy" later!
We were patients right up until the very last-- we just couldn' t let go!
Even though we moved an hour plus away 19 years ago.
Man we miss him already and I know we always will.
June 26, 2014
Dear Sarah,
Dr. C will always be in our hearts and memories, he is unforgettable, fun, loved his dental practice and his patients, at times very serious, as my boss for almost 20 years I considered him a professional and a wonderful friend. He is so missed, many tears shed. We will all see him again on a bright and glorious morning!! Much love to you , Lee, Carrie and Scott, HugSam
Roselyn Shirley
June 13, 2014
We will miss Bill so much in the Kemah area. Roselyn and Dr Joe Shirley
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David & Marcella Lovett
June 12, 2014
Sara & family, you know how special and quirky Bill was, David and I were blessed to have been friends with both of you all these years! Ours hearts hurt for your loss, our loss also, my birthday buddy is missed already. With love. David and Marcella
Jeff Lewis
June 10, 2014
Sending love and prayers to you and your family in your time of loss from the Lewis family, Jeff, Carrie, Hannah, Noah, and Elijah. Such wonderful memories of Bill, he will be missed dearly.
Dr Robert R Debes
June 9, 2014
A nice man, a good dentist and a friend.
He was a credit to dentistry.
O.B Thomas
June 8, 2014
From a dock 5 friend.
Renee and Nick Thanos
June 7, 2014
Bill had such a joyful and generous spirit. We will miss him.
Dr. Isaac Konigsberg
June 7, 2014
To Bill's Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a good friend and colleague My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ike
Bill and Lisa Wthen
June 7, 2014
Sara, Lisa and I send our deepest condolences to you, Lee, Carrie, Scott, and all the extended family. Bill was a wonderful friend over the years, and his loss leaves a void in our lives.
Marsha Jackson
June 7, 2014
So sorry for the loss of such a wonderful Man. Sara, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Marsha & Michael Jackson
Cathy Clark Rascoe
June 7, 2014
Wild Bill was my first dentist and Dr. Lee continued the tradition for several years after. He was so happy the few years he had all his kids were working together in the same practice. What a genuinely marvelous person! He will be missed greatly by so many people.
Paula and Russell Owens
June 7, 2014
Sara and your dear Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your lifetime partner. Billy Raye was a unique and special man. The legacy he has left will take a special place in the memory books of his family and friends. We love you and our prayers are with you.
Lavone Ebersole
June 7, 2014
With heartfelt sympathy to a wonderful family.
Karen Holloman
June 7, 2014
I will remember Bill as an extra special person with an extraordinary zest for life. Much, much love to each of you in his family. God bless and keep you.
June 7, 2014
Billy Ray we will really miss you. You were a pioneer in Dentistry and certainly a credit to the profession. Your sage and humorous advice will always be remembered by all of us. Saint Sara, Lee, Carie, and Scott my sympathy goes out to all of you. Ken Jones
Rusty and Teresa Andrews
June 6, 2014
We will miss your impish smile and the sparkle in your eyes. Your beautiful family will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. You will not be forgotten.
Joyce Lounsberry
June 6, 2014
Sara, and family,so sorry for your loss.
Joyce Lounsberry
Nancy and Ami Fishman
June 6, 2014
Words cannot express my sadness for the loss of this wonderful man. His quick wit and gregarious personality made every day in the dental office more like a party than a job! He will be truly missed and eternally loved.
Carolyn Gage Curran
June 6, 2014
So sorry for your loss! What I do remember of Bill was his humor! I am so glad he was able to attend dad's services. It was good to see him there! I know he will be missed! Our prayers are with you and your family. Love to you all
David Bratten
June 6, 2014
My Uncle Bill was a great guy and he had great humor. I'm very glad that I visited him, my Aunt Sarah, and my cousins in Houston a few years ago. I will always hold my memories of his laughter and the shear joy that he brought to all of us who were in his presence. So many friends, family and loved one's will always smile when we think of my Uncle Bill.
David Bratten
Jessica Meyers
June 6, 2014
I really enjoyed our time working together and learned a lot from you! Although I hadn't seen you in a while, I will always miss your wonderful smile and great sense of humor! Sara...unfortunately I have a commitment on the 14th so I will be celebrating Bill's life with you "in spirit." All our love...Jessica, Danny, Lexi, and Kylie
Phil Pierpont
June 6, 2014
An amazing man who left an amazing legacy !!!
Rene & Irma Rosas
June 6, 2014
With his wit and humor, BR really knew how to light up a room.May eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.
Sharon and Alan Bryant
June 6, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Alice Kilgore
June 6, 2014
Dear Sara, I am so saddened to learn of the loss of Bill. Billy Kilgore would be saddened, too. We both thought so much of him. I know your wonderful family has been, and will be strong support for you. With love and prayers.
John Chandler
June 6, 2014
So sad to lose such a unique and dedicated person. He will be missed by many and I was fortunate to know him as a friend. May God bless him and his family and friends who will miss him.
Chuck and Gayla Hoopingarner
June 6, 2014
A life lived to the max will always be remembered
Les Fullerton
June 6, 2014
Billy Raye was a true icon of dentistry, beloved and respected. All you had to say was "Billy Raye."He was a leader in every way from his family, church, to every organization in dentistry. The UTSD Alumni Assn. and Foundation will especially miss his wit and wisdom in guiding its purpose. He with his buddies was the driving force along with his Sara and his kids. Their is a large void in the heart of dentistry. We all miss his unique style and personality. He was in so many ways a great man's man and dentist's dentist. God Bless You
Billy Raye.
Jimbo & Terri Wetsel
June 6, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Debbie & James Mixon
June 6, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Helen Price
June 5, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Sara, how blessed you and the children have been to have shared your life with Bill.
Prayers,
Helen Pattison Price
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