Bill Ben Biggs

Bill Ben Biggs was born December 21, 1936, in San Angelo, Texas, and died in his home on the Pedernales River, February 16, 2023. His parents were Mary Miller Biggs and Cecil Adam Biggs who lived just outside San Angelo on the Concho River. Bill descended from a long line of Texans: his grandparents were from Bexar, San Saba, Washington, and Austin Counties.

Bill and his three older sisters, Mary Opal, Helen, and Frances attended San Angelo public schools. After serving two years in Germany with the United States Army Security Agency, he attended San Angelo Jr. College before moving to Austin to attend the University of Texas. In Austin he met and married Neva Belle Morgan and they had two sons: Scott Morgan Biggs and William Thomas Biggs. Bill was delighted with his sons and very proud of the men they became. Bill's joy in his family was doubled when William and his wife, Rachael Thompson Biggs, gave him two grandchildren: Lillian Rae Biggs and Wilson Benjamin Biggs.

In the early 1970's, Bill abandoned a career in architecture to apprentice as a plumber for Walter Carrington Homebuilders. He enjoyed plumbing and appreciated its importance. He felt he could provide well for his family while providing a valuable service to the community. He said, "There are lots of good architects, but good luck getting a good plumber." Bill and Neva started Biggs Plumbing Company, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary and continues installing plumbing in many prominent buildings as well as helping countless homeowners and businesses.

In 1997, Bill and Neva moved an old Biggs' family home from Lometa, Texas, to the Pedernales River near Spicewood, Texas, and spent a number of exciting years restoring the 100+ year-old house to its neo-classical beauty. After moving into the new old house, Bill especially enjoyed three things: family get-togethers, praise for his brisket-cooking skills, and showing off the restoration!

Bill is survived by his immediate family: Neva, his beloved wife of 60 years, Scott Biggs, William Biggs, Rachael Biggs, Lillian Biggs, and Wilson Biggs. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, especially appreciating the visits of Sheila Dill, Celia Naylor, Mary Robertson, Mark Wyatt, and Randy and Chrissie Watson during his hospital stays.

Bill was a "good ol' guy from West Texas" who loved life, family and friends, telling stories, golf, and hand-made boots. He will be mourned and missed by all his kin as well as by Neva's family, his Biggs Plumbing family and friends, his San Angelo ex-pat friends, Homer and Mary Williams, his Unitarian "Auld Acquaintances", his long-time poker buddies, his golf buddies at Willie's, the Serotas of Spicewood, and friends and acquaintances from Austin and Briarcliff. He will be especially missed by his close friend, Walter Thomas.

A memorial service is planned on March 25th at 4 pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin where Bill was a longtime member. In late spring there will be a Celebration of Life for Bill at Biggs Plumbing Company. Bill requested that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to the First Unitarian Church or to a charity of one's choice.