William "Bill" Free

William Louis (Bill) Free of San Saba, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Advent Health Hospital in Killeen, Texas, with his wife, Marti, by his side. A celebration of life for William will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026 at New Hope Presbyterian Church in San Saba, Tx. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba.

Bill was born on June 9, 1940, in Bryan, Texas, to William (Ruby) and Francis Free. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School, he enlisted in the Navy, serving aboard the USS Bugara submarine.

In 1959, Bill met Maren (Marti) Cook and they married in 1961. Together they raised four children, Kristen, Valerie, Jason, and Jennifer.

After his discharge from the Navy, Bill began a career in finance while attending San Bernardino Valley College. In 1972, the Frees moved to Florence, Oregon, after purchasing a Sears Catalog Store. Later, Bill achieved his life-long ambition of becoming an Auctioneer and Real Estate Broker. In 2003 Bill was elected to the Oregon Auctioneers Hall of Fame.

Bill was pre-deceased by his parents and five siblings.

He is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Schake of Arizona. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

In 2021, Bill and Marti retired to San Saba, Texas and have become active members of New Hope Presbyterian Church, ECO, in the community of Sloan.

Online condolences can be made at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com