William Rison

1949 - 2026

William (Bill) Karl Rison, of Austin, Texas died on February 18, 2026, at his home following a long battle with lung cancer. Bill was born January 20, 1949, in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas to Frances Hackett and Whitmell T. Rison. As the child of a father who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Bill lived in many places, but was primarily raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
He is a graduate of Shaker Heights High School, a graduate of Texas Christian University, and a recipient of a Certified Public Accountant diploma from St. Edward's University.
Bill was a retired State of Texas employee, beginning his career with the State in the Department of Commerce/Economic Development in 1996. In 2000 he transferred to the Department of Banking and was employed there until his retirement in 2013.
He was a member of St. David's Episcopal Church for over 40 years and while attending that church, was a member of the usher's team, served a term on the Vestry of the church, and in his retirement, volunteered in the Hospitality Ministry and the Next-To-New Shop. He also volunteered at the Annual Garage and Estate Sale of the Settlement Home for Children and especially enjoyed working in the book department of that organization. At the time of his death, he was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.
When not volunteering, Bill spent his spare time reading, working jigsaw puzzles, working in his yard, spending as much time as possible with his children and grandchildren, and traveling. Bill and Francis enjoyed many trips to Europe and around the country, but his favorite place to vacation was Hawaii and he especially enjoyed a trip to Maui in 2016 with his whole family.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Francis Hill Rison, and the people who in his words "mean the world to me": his daughter, Mary Rison Howe, and her husband, Justin; his son, William (Will) Karl Rison Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth; and his four grandchildren: Allison, John Michael, and Christopher Howe, and Joshua Rison. He is also survived by his sister, Fran Miller and husband, Bob of New Jersey, and his brother, Tom Rison and wife, Joann of Georgia, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
For their expertise, attention, and care of Bill during his illness, Bill's family would like to thank Eileen Costa APRN, FNP-C at ATX Primary Care, Texas Oncology including Dr. Shubhada Shrikhande and her staff, A Place at Home including Stacey and Bianca, and Trinity Hospice including nurse, Mallory and nursing assistant, Diana. The family would also like to thank Greg Dvorak and Lisa Wyman for their friendship, care, and concern, during the time of Bill's illness.
A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas on March 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM
If you chose, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Settlement Home for Children or the American Cancer Society.