William T. "Bill" Speller

William Thomas "Bill" Speller was born in Tyler, Texas on October 28th, 1940 and passed away peacefully with his family at Mercy Hospital on Saturday morning, January 7th, 2017.

Bill was born to Leola Nichols Speller and Frank Newman Speller Jr., and spent the happiest years of his life growing up in Tyler. Throughout his life, Faith was the most prominent part of who he was. Recognizing this at an early age, he was baptized as a boy in 1948. In the days before he passed, he stated that "There was nothing greater than going to be in the presence of our Lord." Bill led his life according to his Faith as best as he could, serving as an elder in First Presbyterian Church for many years in Oklahoma City, and then by his involvement in Messiah Lutheran Church. He reflected Christ through his outreach in the community by serving with the Salvation Army, Rotary International, the Latino Community Development Agency, the Baptist Children's Homes, and the Fellowship for Christian Athletes - truly helping thousands of needy people and children over the years.

As a boy, Bill was a curious, fun-loving, and active. He enjoyed participating in many activities, particularly Boy Scouts. In high school, his true personality was reflected by his peers as he was voted the "nicest guy" in school. Bill also enjoyed playing sports and lettered in football and track. Always a proud Texan, he attended college at the University of Texas, became a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Petroleum Engineering.

As a young and ambitious man, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and enter into the oil and gas industry. With the help of his dad, they started an oil and gas company, which took Bill to the booming oil fields of the "Sooner Trend", north of Oklahoma City. This is where he made his mark over the next 40 years, being one of the pioneers in the development of this prolific oil field. Bill was strong-willed and tenacious, surviving - and ultimately thriving through many booms and busts in the oil and gas industry. His business was an extension of his personality, and reflected many good aspects of his nature and character.

Throughout his life, one of Bill's great passions was flying. He was an avid pilot who was proud to earn his Commercial Pilot's License and become a flight instructor. He found a way to serve the community through his passion and helped teach kids to fly in the Civil Air Patrol. Bill was also very proud of being a member of Beta Theta Pi, and served as the District Chief for his fraternity for many years; influencing the lives of so many young men who were about to begin their journey in life. His other great contribution to the community was his loyal service in the Northwest Oklahoma City Rotary Club, of which he was a member for decades; having had the honor to lead the organization as its president for many years.

Bill's other great passion was seeing the world; having the opportunity to visit Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa, Israel and so many other places. Bill cherished these travels with his wife Melissa, whose laugh he truly loved; as well as the epic fishing adventures with his son, Chris - where undoubtedly the greatest fish in North America were caught by the two of them.

Bill loved his family, and found warmth and comfort with Melissa and Chris in the final days of his life. The fond memories of those that he loved always brought a smile to his face; along with Cappy - his favorite dog that always brought him joy. He is survived by his wife, Melissa Speller; his son, Chris Speller; his daughter-in-law, Jinger Speller; his step sons Brian and Kolbe Roper; and his grandchildren: Christopher Speller, George Speller, Cora Speller, Savannah Speller, Ian Roper, and Klohe Roper.

Bill truly lived a full and exciting life whose legacy can be seen in his Faith, and his service to others. He had the opportunity to touch many lives and was privileged to have helped those who were truly in need. Khalil Gibran wrote in his masterpiece The Prophet, that "Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are the eternity and you are the mirror." Bill lived a beautiful life. We will miss him dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that we will be with him again one day in the presence of the Lord.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Tyler, at 1p.m. Saturday, January 21. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please continue the legacy that Bill left to the community and send donations to the Salvation Army to help those in need. Donations may be sent in memory of Bill Speller to The Salvation Army, 1001 North Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107