William Clyde "Bill" Milstead

William Clyde Milstead "Bill" died peacefully on June 23, 2018 at the age of 92 in Austin TX. Bill was born April 30, 1926 to Earl and Mattie Lee Milstead in Austin TX. He married Jacqueline Wheeler in 1955 and they had two children William Mark Milstead and Matthew Earl Milstead (deceased). He attended Austin High School and later graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1943. Bill was a proud graduate of Rice University as part of the Navy's V12 program. He had a 72 year business career that included his role as President and/or Chairman of Milstead Company (a plumbing, heating and air-conditioning wholesale supply company) and also chairman of Texas Austin Industries (1975-1983), a conglomerate of Milstead Company and Calcasieu Lumber Company. He served on many industry related boards and organizations, and his passion for serving led him to many roles as a civil leader in Austin. He served as a board member, director, or officer for the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Planning Commission, Austin Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, St. David's hospital, St. David's Church, Young Men's Business League, among others. Bill was a founding board member of the Austin Community Foundation, Junior Achievement, Austin YMCA, and Austin Woods and Waters. Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years Jackie Wheeler Milstead; son Mark Milstead, and daughter-in-law Phyllis Milstead, grandchildren Robert Milstead, Jay Milstead, and Jill Milstead; his nephew Wm. Blake Winchell and wife Lou Ann Winchell and their 3 children; nieces Laura Winchell Abell and her husband Ben Abell and their 4 children; and Margaret Winchell Miller, her 2 children and her husband Jerry Akin. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son Matthew Earl Milstead, his sister Earline Milstead Winchell and husband Fred Winchell and their daughter Ann Winchell. Bill will be remembered for so many aspects of his life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather uncle, teacher, and mentor. He was an astute and accomplished businessman, and was known for his integrity, honor, core values, and strong work ethic. Bill spent time developing relationships and was a loyal friend. He was a generous and kind man as evidenced by all the organizations he supported. He had a love and appreciation of the great outdoors and enjoyed sharing his passions with his family and friends. His interest were many including reading, rowing, snow skiing, sailing and making memories on Lake Travis, skeet shooting, hunting, his dogs, and his favorite…fly fishing. He traveled the world fly fishing with Jackie and other family and friends, and made new lifelong friends along the way. He was a passionate historian, and American patriot, and impressed upon his children and grandchildren the privileges we have by being an American. Many family dinners ended with an important life lesson. Bill was an extraordinary man that led by example, who has touched and influenced the lives of so many. A Memorial service will be held Saturday June 30th, at 1:00 p.m. at St David's Episcopal Church located at 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the William C. Milstead Memorial Fund at the Austin Community Foundation: https://www.austincf.org/DonorsFundholders/GiveNow/DonationForm.aspx?fn=William+C.+Milstead+Memorial+Fund#donate (512) 472-4483.