William Douglas Neil

William Douglas "Bill" Neil, Sr., age 88, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, in Olympia, Washington.

Bill was born on April 5, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Lamar State College of Technology before embarking on a distinguished career in radio and television broadcasting. During the 1970s and 1980s, he became a familiar figure in the communities he served through his work at KLBJ in Austin, Texas; KIXY; KGKL; and KIDY in San Angelo, Texas.

In 1991, Bill co-founded Bill Neil Specialty Advertising and Neil Promotional Products with his life partner, Susan Westenbroek. Together they built a successful business that thrived for over three decades until their retirement in San Angelo in 2022.

In May 2025, Bill and Susan relocated to Olympia to begin a new chapter together. He is lovingly remembered by Susan; his children William Douglas Neil Jr. (Kerry), Margaret Lynne Gorman (Mark), and David Christopher Neil (Leigh); stepchildren Mona Kidwell (Patrick) and Michael Tarbox; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank Blakemoore Neil and Jesse Kathryn Neil, and his siblings Frank Neil, John Neil, and Marilyn Love.

Bill's life was marked by meaningful connections and a deep appreciation for those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.