William Douglas "Bill" Teixeira

WILLIAM "BILL'' DOUGLAS TEIXEIRA MARCH 29, 1947 - SEPT. 15, 2008 William "Bill'' Douglas Teixeira Born March 29, 1947 in Merced to Edward & Geneva Teixeira. Bill passed away on September 15, 2008, at Stanford Hospital due to complications from leukemia and heart disease. He attended McSwain School and graduated from Atwater High School in 1965. He served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam for two years. He earned two Purple Hearts. He married the love of his life, Judy Ann Dugas, in 1968. They built their life in Atwater. They had two children, Elizabeth Teixeira and Nancy (Wayne) Davis. They had two cherished grand- children, Rashel and Tyler Davis. Bill is also survived by his step- mother Agnes Teixeira, two brothers, Lloyd Teixeira and Jim (Karol) Teixeira, in-laws Daniel and Elizabeth Dugas, Daniel (Janice) Dugas, Mary (Thomas) Curtis, and James (Benita) Dugas, Goddaughter Christine (Kyle) Ford, Godfather Larry (Rosemary) Silva, nephews Joe Teixeira, Lloyd Jr. (Julie) Teixeira, Jerritt Dugas, and Jim (Angela) Teixeira, nieces Kayla and Keri Curtis. He is also survived by former son-in-law, R. Brent Hefner, best friends, Phil (Yvonne) Vaughn, Bill (Norma) Rife, Amos McElvaine, Nate (Margaret) Bocanegra, Larry (Cindy) Rogers, Tom Friesen, and many more. He was preceded in death by his parents, his second father Tony Gonsalves, his favorite cousin Clifford Vincent, his good friend Mario Granado and his most beloved dog, Sammy Boy. He was a volunteer fireman in Atwater and a member of the Castle-Atwater Kiwanis for several years. He was very proud that he supported his family on his own by working as a union carpenter. He and Judy achieved a dream they planned for from the beginning of their marriage...he was able to retire and start enjoying life even more at the young age of 50. He and Judy began traveling extensively, enjoying trips across the U.S. frequently (they traveled to and explored all 50 states!), a trip to Europe in 2005, and a trip to Calgary last year to celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary. This week they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary! He loved to work with his hands, always having projects around the house and yard. He enjoyed helping his daughters & others with projects around their homes. He was honest & straight- forward. There was never a question as to where you stood with him. He was a champion trap shooter, avid fisherman, enjoyed playing cards, & loved being with his family more than anything. He truly loved life & appreciated the friendships he shared and the kindness shown to him and his family by those friends during his life. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Winton District Cemetery with full Military Honors provided by the Merced County V.F.W. Honor Guard. A scholarship fund has been established in Bill's name for high school seniors pursuing a career in the carpenters union. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Judy Teixeira, Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union, account # 67437-019. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson Family Funeral Chapel.www.modbee.com/obituaries