Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Timothy Word Obituary
Timothy Dean Word, Jr. passed away on Christmas Day, 2016. Born in 1929 in La Grange Texas, he was preceded in death by his parents T. Dean and Eunice Carl Word, as well as his younger sister Joyce Word Borchers and her husband William of New Braunfels. After attending Travis Elementary and Mark Twain Middle School, he graduated high school from the Texas Military Institute in 1946. He attended the A&M College of Texas where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Ross Volunteers Honor Guard Company. After receiving his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1950 from A&M, Tim earned his Masters of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School in 1952.
After graduation, he was called to active duty in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While deployed, he served in Korea as a Company Commander and Assistant S-3 of an Engineer Regiment overseeing the design and construction of five airfields. Upon his discharge from the Army in 1954, he became an active Partner of the Dean Word Company, a Highway and Heavy Construction firm founded by his grandfather in 1890. Tim assumed management of the company in 1965, continuing to work alongside his father and his uncle, Bryan Carl, for many years.
Tim married Suzanne Zachry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Zachry, of San Antonio in 1958. They had five children, three of whom joined in Tim's enthusiasm for engineering and road construction, eventually becoming his partners in the Dean Word Company. He was an inveterate engineer who constantly strove to improve processes in his construction and mining business. He held two U.S. Patents for his inventions in the industry and was a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. He was deeply involved in the construction industry through his service and contributions to the Associated General Contractors of America, the nation's largest trade organization for Construction. He served as President of the Texas Highway-Heavy Branch, was a Life Member of the National AGC Board of Directors, served as National AGC President in 1995, and was Co-founder of the National AGC PAC. Tim was honored as a Business Legend by the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
With an interest in education, Tim served on the Board of Trustees at both Saint Mary's Hall and TMI, and his desire to solve transportation problems led him to serve on the boards of the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M and the Texas Asphalt Paving Association.
Raised in a strong Methodist family, Tim was a longtime member of the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. He was active in San Antonio social clubs- a Past Commander of the Texas Cavaliers and was deeply honored to serve as King Antonio LV in 1977. He was a Past President of the San Antonio German Club, and a former member of the Order of the Alamo.
Tim felt immense pride in his family and often remarked on his great fortune for sharing such uncommonly steadfast love and devotion with his wife of 57 years, Suzanne. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and his four sons: Dean III and wife Barbara of New Braunfels, Forrest and wife Ann, Patrick, and Bryan of San Antonio; as well as his daughter Amber Word Heisner and husband Eric of Glendale, California; his 11 grandchildren: Jennifer, Tim IV, William, and Stephanie of New Braunfels; Roark, Bennett, and Emory of San Antonio; Joseph and Ashton of San Antonio; Adeline and August Heisner of Glendale, California; Nieces Marcia Borchers McGlothlin and husband Forrest of New Braunfels and Bonnie Borchers Duetra and husband Andrew of Dallas; Cousins William Noble Carl and wife Lucy of Houston and Wilminer Carl Gardner and husband Bob of Brenham.
The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuaries, 1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, Texas.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
THURSDAY
DECEMBER 29, 2016
2:00 P.M.
ALAMO HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
825 E. BASSE ROAD
A Private interment will take place at Mission Burial Park South.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to Alamo Heights United Methodist, Church 825 E. Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209, or the Zachry School of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-3136. His grandsons will serve as his pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Dawson, Hal Kelly, Paul McSween, Jack Meyer, James Pianta, Gaines Voigt, Lyman Webb, Dr. Jack Williamson, and The Kings Council of the Texas Cavaliers.
You are invited
to sign the Guestbook
at www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Word
Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough.
Sarah Triem
July 9, 2019
RIP Mr. Tim Word!!
John W. Cooper, TMI Headmaster
January 3, 2017
Sincerest condolences to the entire Word family. Tim Word was a loyal alumnus, a selfless board member, and a true friend of TMI. All of us here at the school value his contributions to our school, our community, and our nation.
Terry Deeny
January 3, 2017
I had the pleasure of knowing and working along side of Tim at the AGC of America. He was an honest, sincere and hard working man. He will be missed by those that knew him well. God Bless!
Chris Riley
January 3, 2017
To the Word Family -
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your beloved patriarch of your family. May his spirit continue to live on through everyone's lives he touched. May he rest in Peace. Sincerely, Mayor Chris Riley, City of Leon Valley
Paula Wilson Lauderdale
January 2, 2017
Words cannot describe the hurt in my heart right now - we have lost a great and Godly man. Please know you are all in our hearts and prayers at this time. Time heals the hurt and the fond memories of him will prevail. Love and hugs to the Word family.
Paula Wilson Lauderdale and family
Steve Pritchard
December 31, 2016
My sincere condolences to all of the Word family. What a great loss to our whole community of friends and family that loved and respected his great sense of humor, hard work and close family ties. He will be missed by all of us.
Edna San Miguel
December 29, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Word family.My thoughts and prayers are with you Suzanne.
Darrell Tucker
December 29, 2016
A GREAT MAN
Dan Guerra
December 29, 2016
Dean and the Word Family,
My sincere condolence on the passing of Tim. I only had few meetings with Tim, however I greatly admired him and the opportunity to have dinner with him and your Mom at their home. Enjoyed his story of how he met Your Mom and went about buying their home, including your Mom''s share. I am sorry I can't be there today. God Bless
Dan Guerra
December 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Larry Waldrip
New Braunfels, Texas
Mark and Toni Knight
December 28, 2016
Suzanne, Dean and family, no doubt Tim will be missed many in his family, community and by us in the
industry. We hope the memories will sustain you through the coming months and years ahead of you. I am sure Warren, Bud and Dick are in much need of help up there and they will be glad to see there old friend once again. Know that his wit and charm was loved by many who knew him and he will be missed dearly by all!
Mark and Toni Knight
Ralph Barford
December 28, 2016
Over 65 years ago, Tim and I were roommates at the Harvard Business School.Raised in distant places, it took us a while to understand each other. Once we did a life long friendship followed, renewed in the last few years. A wonderful man in all respects. My condolences to Susie and all the family.
Melvin Nolte
December 28, 2016
Melvin and Sandy Nolte
State Representative Doug Miller
December 28, 2016
I'll never forget Mr. Word telling me the story of where he was when he heard about Pearl Harbor. As a twelve year old boy, he was on the new ranch his dad had purchased just days earlier. They were riding around looking at it in the family car. He had an amazing life and leaves a great legacy. Texas is much better today because of the life of Timothy Dean Word, Jr. You have Anne's and my deepest sympathy.
Patrecia Hartman
December 28, 2016
I am Patrecia Hartman. In the early 1960s, My husband, Hugh Hartman, a Texas State Highway Patrolman, and our family lived in New Braunfels, Texas. Mr. Dean Word, sr. or jr., allowed my husband to work on his days off to help bring in more income, as the Patrol pay was not sufficient to pay enough for our family to make ends meet. I want to take this opportunity to thank you. My husband passed on in February, 2016, but if he was still among us, he would attend Mr. Word's funeral to honor him.
Ray Kelm
December 28, 2016
Tim Word was instrumental in motivating me to pursue engineering at Texas A&M and was later a pivotal influence in helping me develop into a useful engineer. It was a distinct pleasure working for him, which I can say was a similar sentiment of my late father Rueben Kelm.
I have great memories of motorcycles, fireworks, friendships, airplanes, late night highway bid lettings, and a host of other experiences that have made me a different person because of the impact this man has had on my life.
Thank you Tim for being who you were and for changing the world around you as well as those of us honored to be changed by you!
Linda Bohlen
December 28, 2016
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. My father, Oliver Martin, thought highly of Mr. Word and admired him as a businessman with integrity. He will be greatly missed, but we know he's taking his place in God's heavenly kingdom.
Gene and Christie Lopanec
December 28, 2016
I have great respect for Tim Word. I learned a lot from that man over the years. He loved his family beyond measure. He was so devoted to the business he loved and the people there. His kids are definitely a true reflection of him.We are so sorry for your loss.He truly was one of the good guys.
Catherine Carl Wakelyn
December 28, 2016
Tim was my first cousin. I saw him often as a child but less after I married and moved east. I always admired his humility and his devotion to his family and community. The likes of him rarely happen, and I know he will be sorely missed.
Janelle McArthur
December 28, 2016
As I remember Tim I see his rose garden. My love to Suzanne and all the Family.
Ray Foyt
December 27, 2016
I really enjoyed working for Tim Word jr and sons, he was a good man and will be missed.. Ray Foyt
JOHN PIERSOL
December 27, 2016
Tim and I met in 1936 thru our parents and were friends forever more, camping on the Guadalupe River and meeting for a short time while we served in Korea at the same time. I remember riding their horses Dolly and King. I am sure he is already in control on his cloud. I will look forward in our visits with our mutual friends already in the clouds of heaven. What a piece of work and what a gentle man. I was honored and proud to be able to say I knew him.
Peter Wert
December 27, 2016
Thinking of all the family members and remembering Tim as mentor and leader in AGC. We will attend the funeral on Thursday. Sending hugs and fond memories to all. Pete and Lynette Wert.
Larry Gaskins
December 27, 2016
Suzanne, I know Tim will be missed but he really left a lot for us a few years younger to appreciate & remember of his past. He was an icon of the construction industry that I always injoyed hearing about things accomplished in prior years. Dean, keep up the good work & I'm sure he'll be by your side! Our love & prayers to all the family.
Larry & Maggie Gaskins
Paul & Ellen Diederich
December 27, 2016
To Tim's Family and extended Family:
Our hearts are with you in this time of loss. There are many "Timisms" that will not be repeated here, but Tim always had the ability to convey his thoughts in a convincing and witty way that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Our industry has lost a true leader. We will miss him. May he Rest in Peace.
Tom Akin
December 27, 2016
I was deeply saddened to learn of Tim's (Mr. Word) passing. My partners and I enjoyed our relationship with Tim these past many years, as well working his sons, at the Dean Word Company. I know Tim lived a wonderful life through Christ, and he will be missed as a member of our community.
Daniel Rangel
December 27, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the family is strong & resilient & will support one another during this sad period... my prayers go out to all of you & I ask our lord to welcome him & to watch over all the members of your family. Grieving is painful for a long time & I hope you will ask for strength & healing from Jesus as he will provide for you as moments of difficulty & personal grieving may sometimes seem all encompassing. My heart goes out to you all... but most especially my sincere condolences to Mrs. Word, his life long companion who I am thinking of the most. It can be very hard & challenging to loose the one you walked a lifetime with... God bless you. God bless all of you.
Tom & Sandy Brown
December 27, 2016
Sorry to hear of the passing of great friend to the industry. Our prayer and thoughts are with his family. May Tim's soul rest in peace.
-Tom & Sandy Brown -
Brian Burgett
December 27, 2016
Dean
Your dad was a one of a kind. When he spoke we all listened because of the great respect we had for him. Sherri and I send our condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Brian and Sherri Burgett
Robi Jalnos
December 27, 2016
Tim and I served together on the FinFac committee at TMI. He was a true mentor and good friend. He was one of the finest individuals I've ever met. He will be missed.
John Obr
December 27, 2016
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Word. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
Charles & Patsy Meckel
December 27, 2016
Sorry to hear about the passing of a great and wonderful person. Our prayers are with the family and the many friends he had.
Frank Jaster
December 27, 2016
I remember meeting Mr. Word for the first time on a TxDOT Loop 1604 project and had the opportunity to get to know him better on other TxDOT jobs and their company's materials (base and hot mix) plant operations. He always had a high level of integrity, honesty, and love for his family, his construction company, and his fellow man. This legacy is shown in his children as they are just like Mr. Word. He will be missed. Proverbs 3:5-6
Elizabeth L Carl
December 26, 2016
Without making a big deal about it, Cousin Tim had a remarkable gift of projecting a zone of safety wherever he was, that people could count on him to be there and take the next steps toward getting things done. May he rest in peace, yet when his risen life begins, it is likely he will be put back to work making "straight in the desert a highway for our God."
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Timothy Word's name
Memorial Events
for Timothy Word
Funeral services provided by:
Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
How to support Timothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Timothy Word'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
