William L. "Bill" Hanley Jr.

William L. Hanley, Jr., 78, of Beaumont, passed peacefully on August 8, 2025, in the presence of his loving family. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on January 9, 1947, Bill lived a full and remarkable life defined by hard work, deep love for his family, and a wide range of talents and passions.

Known as "Wild Bill" in his youth, "Sweet William" in his later years, and "Dollar Bill" on the golf course, he was a man of many interests and even more stories. Bill was a gifted athlete and competitor-he played baseball, bowled, shot pool, and golfed with skill and enthusiasm. He coached and mentored others with patience and pride, and he excelled in everything from roller hockey and roller skating to dancing and karaoke.

Bill was also a craftsman and entrepreneur. Over the years, he ran several businesses, including door and window construction, commercial and industrial contracting, and an auction house. He was a carpenter, welder, and even a certified commercial scuba diver. He learned to fly a plane and was an avid RV traveler, always ready for the next adventure.

He had a lifelong love for Corvettes, Harleys, and classic cars, and was an active member of the Tri City Corvette Club. In his later years, he found joy in community life at Collier Park and Calder Woods, where he served as President of the Resident Council at both locations, helped host karaoke nights, and initiated the return of monthly gospel sing-alongs.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth Hanley, and his children, Debra Appel (husband - Todd Appel), Christy Dobranski, Terry S. Ward (wife - Wendy Ward), and Tamela Ward. He was a proud grandfather to Jordan Dobranski (wife - Allie Dobranski), Berkley Huff (husband - Tyler Huff), Ava Appel, Maxwell Ward, Piper Ward, Adam Stinnett (wife - Aarynn Stinnett), Michael Stinnett, and Teia Stinnett.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William L. Hanley, Sr. (Dub) and Lily Etta Brown Hanley and left behind a beautiful sister, Bette Ann Davidson (husband – Jerry). He also had many nieces and nephews, a multitude of cousins, a beloved extended family, and countless dear friends-many of whom he considered family.

He will be remembered for his stature and presence, his sense of humor, his incredible work ethic, his golf handicap (or lack thereof) and the way he made everyone feel welcome and valued. Bill's legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life service from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Pathway Church, 2326 Nederland Avenue, Port Neches.

A private graveside service was held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches, under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Buckner Children and Family Services, 6358 Phelan Boulevard, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123.