William "Billy" Kiley

1948 - 2024

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, protector, and friend, William Thomas Kiley (Bill) left his earthly body behind at 9:10 AM on the morning of June 11. Bill was born October 30, 1948, to William and Catherine Kiley, in Newark, New Jersey. His larger-than-life personality built quite the legacy while living in New Jersey where he graduated from St. Mary's High School (66). He was awarded a Tennis scholarship from St. Leo University in Florida, where he became Captain of the Tennis Team, a brother of AEX, active in intramural sports, and graduated in the class of '71 with degrees in Psychology and Education. Bill was an avid outdoorsman - fishing, hunting, camping, hiking - as long as it was out in nature, he loved it. After graduating from college, he set off on a decade-long escapade, exploring the country.

Bill enjoyed the Texas weather and decided to stay. He worked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a Drug and Substance Abuse Counselor and attended night school to complete his Master's in Counseling. Bill had a strong faith that God's power could help change people. After a while he transitioned to teaching and purchased a home in Spring. Bill met Donna about a month after she purchased the home next door. He went over and asked her to play tennis. The rest is history.

In 1984, Bill and Donna were married. In 1991, Trevor was born and in 1995 Sarah was born. The vocation of fatherhood ignited a deeper desire to live longer and better. With that in mind, in 1998 Bill and Donna bought property on Lake Buchanan, and established roots in the community. Bill worked as a teacher for 30 years and retired from Packsaddle Elementary in Kingsland. Although his favorite subject was math, he spent several years working in the special education department at both high school and elementary. Bill was notorious for trying to make students in his class feel special and once dressed as a chauffeur and changed the seat configuration of his suburban to drive a student and his date to the senior prom. He loved all of his students and held a special place in his heart for youth. He received several letters from students who graduated from college, thanking him for instilling in them a love for math and for being such an inspiring teacher.

He loved to serve the church and exemplified faith in action and resting in God's presence. He was proud to serve as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, a Eucharistic Minister, a CCE teacher, food pantry volunteer, and a hospitality team member. He coached little league softball and Upwards basketball and enthusiastically supported his teams.

After retiring from teaching, he kept himself active with mowing, cutting wood, trimming trees, and keeping up a landscaping business. He could always be heard blasting oldies or singing along to instrumental versions on his favorite radio station, KNCT 91.3.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Donna; son, Trevor; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Joseph Schuck as well as two beautiful grandchildren, Lucia and Jude. He is also survived by his brother, Jeffrey, and sister Susan as well as a wonderful extended family who loved and appreciated Bill's eclectic nature.

Each of us will carry the legacy of his loving and adventurous soul. "Maintaining Status Quo" and "Peace Be with You" were words he always said. We love you and know you now have the peace you always wished for others.

The Knights will lead a rosary on Wednesday evening at 6:15. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Horseshoe Bay, Texas on June 27th at 10:30AM, followed by a reception at the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or the American Diabetes Association.