William Dalzell Faggard

Bill Faggard came to Tivy High School in Kerrville, TX and graduated with the class of 1974. He was "the new kid" and appeared to transition right into our lives without a glitch. Anyone from California was "exotic" as many of us had never lived anywhere else.

Bill was mannerly, stylish, easy-going and FUN. He was the young gentleman a girl could bring home to her parents and they would be happy to share their daughter and time with him. He was considerate and appreciative while appearing calm and cool. He also knew when to send flowers!!! A very big deal in 1974!!

As our class begins preparation for our 50th high school reunion, someone came upon Bill's obituary. Information unknown to what appears to be most of us. I find it hard to know he is no longer with us but am grateful for his life story being summarized here.

My memory is sealed with a picture of Bill Faggard, the camp counselor, up on the Guadalupe river, "riding herd" on a bunch of young people and never planning to do anything else. As many of us were charging off to college planning to conquer the world, Bill was perfectly content right where he belonged. What a grand plan was put in place for him.

I am sad for your loss, in fact a loss for all of us, but I feel confident in his duration in our memories. I am happy he had such a loving family by his side.

Respectfully yours,
Kay Jones Kane, THS Class of 74

Bill Faggard was like Johnny Appleseed; instead of planting apple seeds...he planted joy everywhere he went! He had the most delightful twinkle in his eyes when he smiled, too! I love that his obituary mentioned wearing lots of hats, because that was a metaphor he used to describe what the volunteers and counselors needed to do at Camp Aldersgate: wear lots of hats to ensure that each camper had the Very Best Experience s/he could at Camp!

I first met Bill as a relatively new member of the Junior League of Little Rock. I was serving on the committee tasked with proposing new projects for the League. One of our members had two sons - one of whom is on the autism spectrum. She had struggled to find a camp where both boys could attend together, and proposed a new camp where kids with and without special needs could attend together. That idea became Kota Camp, and Bill helped the Junior League turn that concept into reality.

Kota Camp is now 21 years old, and it´s just one of Bill´s many legacies. Both of my daughters were Kota campers, and they both served as volunteers and counselors at various Med Camps offered at Camp Aldersgate. It wasn´t just the facilities, the staff, or the campers that made our daughters love going to Camp Aldersgate. They loved Bill Faggard!

He had the most amazing ability to make each and every person feel as though they were his favorite! He must have had a million favorites! He remembered things about each person, and always offered encouragement that was sincere and heartfelt.

The last time I saw Bill was at the Camp Fish Fry before he retired. It was during the Covid pandemic, and Bill was sitting in the area where the volunteers were handing out to go meals. It wasn´t hard to see that Bill wasn´t feeling great; his light was a little dimmer than it had been, but he still greeted each and every person.

Whoever wrote his obituary hit the nail on the head: Bill Faggard will never be forgotten. Each person who knew him will treasure their memories of times spent with him. I know I do and will.

I´m just one of many, MANY people who loved Bill Faggard! He lived the Do Right rule...and went above and beyond without the expectation of recognition or kudos. I was, and am, so sad to learn of Bill´s passing, but know that the seeds he planted at Camp Aldersgate will bear fruit for years to come.

I´m sending love to Bill´s family and friends. May you draw comfort from the many memories you have of sharing belly laughs and just hanging out with Bill. I know I will.

Betsey Mowery
Little Rock, Arkansas