William "Dell" York Sr.

WILLIAM "DELL" YORK, SR. 89 went to be with his Lord on Saturday evening December 6, 2003 in his home in Corpus Christi, TX. He joins his beloved wife, Patricia Owens York, and son Ronald Gene York, in their heavenly home. His memory will be cherished by his two children LaMerle York Skipton and her husband, James Kennedy, Jr. and William Dell York, Jr. and his wife, Rita. Beloved grandfather "Papa" to Kimberly Lynn Skipton, Patricia Skipton Jones, Sharon Bernadine Skipton, James Kennedy Skipton, III, Suzanne Skipton Shelton, Mitzi York Aaron, Terri York Davis, William Dell York, III, Julie York Martin, Tammi York Mager, Dale York, Shelana York and their spouses. Others dear to him were his many great grandchildren, great-great grandchild, nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count. A grand story teller, he always entertained his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with tales of his colorful boyhood, hunting and fishing adventures, and his struggles and successes in the business world. Dell was born on August 21, 1914 to Ina Del and William Edgar York in Victoria, TX, where he lived until adulthood and attended Victoria Jr. College. Moving to Houston in 1948, he began his businesses, Cactus Petroleum and Cactus Transport, later to include York Transport. After selling his businesses, he purchased 5 radio stations in the state of Texas and developed Timberwilde subdivision in Huntsville, Texas, where he owned a cattle ranch. He was a member of the Petroleum club, the Houston Club, and First Baptist Church, Houston. He is preceded in death by his 4 brothers, Albert, Robert, David and Tommy York and one sister, Pearl York Cox. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, at 1:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home with a visitation beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow the services at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. Dell was an extraordinary businessman, had a commanding presence, a sharp wit, and a John Wayne charm and he was never to proud to cry when he was moved. Possessing a gregarious personality and sense of humor, Dell always called it as he saw it. His entire family has benefited greatly from his generosity throughout the years and we are so thankful.