Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William Birkhead Obituary
William "Roy" Birkhead, age 87, died February 26, 2015.
Roy was born on August 13, 1927, in Frederick, Oklahoma, the son of the late William Roy, Sr., and Pearl Birkhead. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Loyce Stigler Birkhead; sister, Irene Bryant, and brother-in-law, Bill Bryant; sister, Sally Lovell Rinehart Guinn, and brothers-in-law, Joe Rinehart and George Guinn; brother, Herbert Birkhead, and sister-in-law, Eugenia Birkhead.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Mary Ann Birkhead, of Huntsville, Texas; daughter, Susan Morrow, and husband, Bob, of Dallas, Texas; son, Bobby Birkhead, and wife, Janice, of Friendswood, Texas; and daughter, Sherri Cowan, and husband, Trey, of Spring, Texas; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Roy is also survived by his sister-in-law, Clara Crumbly and husband, Kenneth, of Williamsburg, Virginia.
After graduating from Victory High School, Roy joined the U.S. Navy in June, 1945. He was honorably discharged with the rank of 1st Class Seaman at the end of World War II.
Roy attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where he received a degree in accounting. After working in the industry for a few years, he decided to pursue a career in education and administration. Roy, Loyce, and their two children, Susan and Bobby, moved to Pasadena, Texas, where they both taught school until Loyce passed away from cancer.
Roy and Mary Ann met on a date arranged by friends and married in 1965. Roy continued his work as an elementary school teacher and later became a principal. After working in education for more than 30 years, Roy retired from Pasadena I.S.D and they moved to Elkins Lake in Huntsville, Texas. Their retirement included travel, golf, and church activities.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. A service will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2015 in the chapel at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral in Huntsville, Texas.
Mr. Birkhead will be laid to rest in Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas at later date.
Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com.
Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 936-291-7300
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Birkhead
6 Entries
March 15, 2015
Mr. Birkhead was my fifth grade teacher at Richey Elementary and the first male teacher for most of us. We were a high spirited bunch, gave him plenty of fits and he always seemed to be calm and in control. We adored him as he was not only a great teacher, but a wonderful man. Sadly, his wife was very ill that year and I wish we could have been more understanding, but we were just kids. He had the great idea that he would read to us after lunch - Rifles for Waitie - and encouraged us to put our heads on our desks. You can only imagine that at least half of us napped and he just let it happen. I was sad the last day of school when I said goodbye and got ready to become a sixth grader. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Birkhead's family and friends. Penny Nowak Buenger
March 3, 2015
Bobby ,My heart goes out to all of your family, prayers with you all my friend
Jay & Kimberly Hunt
Ronnie and Beth Leathers
March 2, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Max & Doris Henry
March 2, 2015
Our prayers are with you..
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Shirley Davison
March 1, 2015
So many wonderful memories shared with your family. I am grateful for the influence of Roy. He was a good man and a good friend to all the Davisons. Peace be with you all.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in William Birkhead's name
Memorial Events
for William Birkhead
Funeral services provided by:
Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home - Huntsville1700 Normal Park Dr., Huntsville, TX 77340
People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Birkhead's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
