William "Bill" English

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the passing of William D. (Bill) English, whose long battle with Alzheimer's disease came to an end as he was lovingly cared for at home. Bill was so much more than a husband, father, and grandfather-he was the heart of his family, a steadfast friend, and a man whose warmth, kindness, and adventurous spirit touched countless lives.
Born in Knoxville, TN, on January 20, 1948, Bill was the beloved son of William and Mary Crowell English, who preceded him in death. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Susan English, his devoted daughter Carmen Graf and son-in-law Karl, and his treasured granddaughter Harper Graf, all of Austin, TX. His brother, Robert C. English of Nashville, TN, and brother-in-law Larry Miller and his wife Maria of Chattanooga, TN, also carry forward his memory, along with many wonderful nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bill's caregivers, Anthony Paul Lyons and Ifeanyichukwa (Chris) Asanya, for their unwavering compassion and care in his final year.
Bill was a man of remarkable intellect and achievement. He graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a degree in Civil Engineering and later earned his Master's in Engineering Management from Purdue University, graduating magna cum laude. His brilliant mind and sharp vision led him to an extraordinary career in the oil and natural gas industry. He played a pioneering role in establishing natural gas trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), leaving a lasting impact on the energy sector.
But beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was a true adventurer at heart. His career took him and his family around the world, making homes in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. He embraced every new place with open arms, immersing himself in different cultures and forging friendships everywhere he went. To Bill, no one was ever a stranger-just a friend he hadn't met yet. His laughter, generosity, and boundless curiosity left an unforgettable mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we grieve his passing, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived. Bill's love, wisdom, and unshakable spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." And Bill decided to be extraordinary.
Rest in peace, dear Bill. You will be profoundly missed, but your legacy of love and adventure will never fade.
Friends are invited to a viewing and service in his honor on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association of Texas.