Billy Carroll Bethke

Billy Carroll Bethke May 26, 1932 - July 24, 2011 Billy Carroll Bethke of Woodway passed away surrounded by his loving family Sunday, July 24, 2011, at Providence Hospital. Services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Brent Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Bill was born May 26, 1932, in Waco, Texas, to William Bethke and Mary Scherff Bethke. He graduated from Waco High School in 1952. Bill married Betty Jean Tull on July 26, 1956, in Waco. Bill began his career in the remodeling business in 1952, and he and his wife, Betty, own Bill Bethke Remodeling and ABC Antiques. He was extremely proud of his business and took great pride in all his jobs. He loved to sell! Bill was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoyed collecting antique toys, coins, clocks and Dr. Pepper and Waco memorabilia, and attending sporting events. He always looked forward to his Wednesday night poker games with his good friend, Jack Boozer. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and he loved being with his family, especially attending his grandchildren's activities, cheering them on. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mildred Hamil; his beloved aunt, Nelda Roberson; and nephew, Dale Born. Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty; his daughters, Pam Cooper of Woodway, Teresa Hargrave and husband, Randy, and Karen Briggs and husband, Steve, of Robinson; five grandchildren, Stefanie Newton and husband, Ryan, of Robinson, Casey Schreiber of Waco, Cody Hargrave and wife, Kelly, of Robinson, Mary Katelyn and Carroll Anne Briggs of Robinson; three great-grandchildren, Layne Hayes and Landrye Cate Newton, and Paisley Layne Hargrave, all of Robinson; his sister, Georgia Means of Buffalo; and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Casey, Cody and Ryan, and nephews, Jim DeLuca, Robert Greaser and Tony Lazzaro. Bill's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Charles Shoultz Jr., Dr. Rodney Richie, Dr. Farley Verner, Dr. John Bardgette, the nurses and staff of the Providence ICU and 3 East and Providence Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey