Bill Menefee

Billy Mills Menefee of Waco passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 17, at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Tim Jarrell officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6:00 -8:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey. Bill Menefee was born into abject poverty in Breckenridge, Texas, and his family was forced to move frequently in search of work during the Depression. In high school, he excelled in sports, especially football and basketball. He went to North Texas State (now UNT) as a walk on basketball player, and became the first All-American athlete in the school's history. During his time in college, Bill met and married Dorothy Winford, the love of his life. Upon graduation from college, Bill Menefee served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a rifle platoon commander, and later company commander, on Okinawa during World War II. He and his men endured a stretch of combat with no relief for 88 days. He was decorated with the Bronze Star for bravery, and received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the campaign. After the war, Bill went to work at Baylor University as a physical education instructor, and shortly became an assistant basketball coach to Bill Henderson. Coach Menefee served as Baylor's head basketball coach from 1962-1973, and his teams still hold several school records. After retiring from coaching, “Coach” ran the Baylor marina, where he greatly enjoyed teaching students to sail. In 1980, Coach Menefee became Baylor's athletic director, a post he held until his retirement in 1992. Coach Menefee has been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for both North Texas and Baylor University, and is the Baylor Athletic Director Emeritus. “Coach” was an avid fly fisherman for most of his life and was an active member of the Waco Fly Fishing Club. He received numerous awards and citations for his efforts to promote the sport of fishing. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Pete and Jan Menefee; his grandsons, Scott Menefee, Michael Spear, and Alan Spear; great-grandsons, Lucas and Beau Spear; step great-grandson, Joseph Lanham; and many friends, including his dearest friends Dr. Ted and Judy Powers. Bill Menefee is preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Dorothy; his daughter, Carol Spear; and his grandson, Todd Menefee. From players to coaches, friends and family, "Coach" had a positive and lasting impact on countless lives, and we celebrate a life well-lived by a humble and great man. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baylor Bear Foundation, or to a charity of your choosing. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.