Billy Nelson Oswald, 78, of Speegleville, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2014.
Funeral Services: 6 PM, Thursday, September 4, at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Greg Moore officiating.
Visitation: 6 to 8 PM Wednesday, September 3, at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
Mr. Oswald was born on December 28, 1935 in Waco to Woodrow and Marie (Henager) Oswald. He graduated from Midway High School and was an all star football athlete. He served in the National Guard and was activated during the Berlin Crisis. Bill worked at Austin-Closs as a top salesman for over 20 years. Later in life, he managed many different pawn shops throughout Waco. He attended Top Hand Cowboy Church in Valley Mills.
He was also a great American cowboy who enjoyed years of team roping and owning his favorite horse named Bill for 23 years. He greatly enjoyed outdoor activities in life, including hunting, fishing, raising chickens, camping, and traveling in his motor home with family and friends. He was also known for his talent and ability in fixing boats and motors.
He had a smile that would fill a room with love, and children and adults alike gravitated to his outgoing personality. Bill was always there to gladly lend a helping hand. His memories will be cherished forever.
Mr. Oswald was preceded in death by his parents; daughter; Kathy Smart, sister; Linda Ann Oswald and two brothers: Joe Don Oswald and Tommy D. Oswald.
Survivors include his special stepdaughter, Stacy Phillips and her husband, Biff of Speegleville, along with their daughter, Cheyenne; grandson, Ross Smart and wife, Jessica of Gatesville, along with their daughters, Shaylie, Joli, and Jacy; brother, Mike Oswald and wife, Ocie of Wichita Falls; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Pallbearers are Lewis Hinesly, Biff Phillips, Brett Oswald, Robert Warren, Mat Tindell, and Chad Ripley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made in honor of Bill Oswald to Top Hand Cowboy Church and the Salvation Army.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Uncle Bill and Family,
My father, Joe Don Oswald, was a younger brother to Bill, and my maiden name is Oswald. Back in the 1970s, in the little town of McGregor, I grew up in a family of six: two parents, and four children. All of my siblings were D’s- Donnie, Denise, Diane, and Deborah. Bill’s nephew and nieces. So one time, a long time ago, in McGregor, on Van Buren Street, amazing grace found us- quite simply and surely. My uncle Bill sent my brother Donnie and I our very own, quite big, and quite huge, box of candy! It was a tremendous amount. The box was as big as a dishwasher wide and almost as tall. It was completely loaded to the max with all sorts of candy. Oh the sight of all those candy jewels and immediate access. Consideration and amazement, right there in front of our very two eyes, oh yea make that four eyes, my brother Donnie. Well, the access was quickly whisked away into hiding in a closet, securely monitored by the 400 eyes of our mother, watching our every move. Darn snippity.
What were we to do? Well finally some guided reprieve from my brother Donnie, who gently led me to the secured vault of the candy box. Sneaking on tip toe, and quickly, and trying not to get caught. What a wonder. “Who was this Uncle Bill?” I’d ask myself. What a large box of candy, His fancy clothes and sharp dress. Working in stores with money. Did he own it? Was he rich? Who really knew.
We were always welcomed and groomed to look our very best at all of the Oswald homes. It was such a mystery then. So quiet and still, and men of little words with deliberate actions. And that was the love and the amazing grace that me and my uncle shared. You will stay near to our lives in all of life’s little fleeting and returning moments. All I can really say is, thanks for being my uncle. You did make a difference in my life.
Your Niece,
Charlotte Denise Burris
Mr. Bill you came into my life about 2 years ago. I had just lost my husband and you were friends (family) to my brother Robert and sister n law Lisa. You never were a stranger, we became immediate friends. The awesome times we had camping, boating, cooking out, playing red neck golf, 31 and dancing…..and thank you for dancing your last dance with me. I love you Bill Oswald. You are very very special man. Oh how you are going to be missed. It will take a long time to get over your beautiful smile and blue eyes. But the stories we can sit around and tell…… Rest in peace Mr. Bill and thank you Jesus for taking him home so peacefully. You are a true gentleman and cowboy! You will forever be in the hearts of so many, especially mine.
Uncle Bill,
You meant so much to so many. What a great example you set!
A gentle, caring soul, with the largest heart a man can possess. I am so grateful for each minute I had with you in this life. Until we meet again, YOU WILL BE MISSED!
Love You Always,
Julie
I didn’t know Mr. Bill near as much as most in his life, but I spent a lot of time with him after my early
retirement.
Mr. Bill is a very knowledgeable man, a very intelligent man, a gentle giant in his heart and his soul.
Mr. Bill is funny, strong, and has a wonderful character of a man, that always knew the difference between right and wrong.
Mr. Bill always welcomed you, asked what you needed or wanted, was concerned about you and you personally knew he was honest and totally sincere by what was said. Mr. Bill never left you questioning anything about him or his word.
Bill will always be my close friend in life and I am honored to have known him in the short time that I did.
I will miss him so much asking me, ”Whaccha up to?”..
Thanks Bill for selecting me to spend the time we had together. You are great in all and will never ever be forgotten.
(Jiggler)
The world going to miss you Uncle Bill. You had so much good about you. Its amazing how much you cared for others. You were the finest most decent human being I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
I was 9 years old when I met Bill when his brother, Tommy married my sister, Billie. Through the years I saw him very infrequently, but it was always a pleasure. I have never known him to be anything but thoughtful, kind, loving and supportive to my sister and her children, Kelly Oswald, Julie Oswald Neal, and Richard Oswald. I know how much they love you. Bill was there with his support when my mother passed in 2012. You did a good job on this Earth Walk Bill; May you rest in Heavenly peace.
Bill
I was shocked to hear of your passing. You were always the first person to help family and friends if they called and needed to know how to fix something. If someone needed something you were there. Bill you and Joe were two of the sweetest men I ever knew. Both of your brothers have reserved a place next to them in heaven for you.
You will be greatly missed
Sincerely BJ Robelia
To Biff-Stacey, and all of Bill’s relatives, Nora Tindell, and many, many friends. We(my wife and I) never met Bill, but have been all around him for many years, knowing the late Tommy, and Joe Don Oswald, plus the Henagers, plus the late Juanda McMullen, and her Family. Plus I lived in McGregor for 20 years, then moving out here past Lake Waco(25 years ago), and knowing some of the people that have lived here in Our Community. Plus knowing Bert for years, as well as some of you kids that have posted your thoughts here. So Bill you were a great kind, fine gentleman, Christian man, and a friend to many. You have a ‘special’ place in Heaven that is waiting on you. And you deserve your peace and rest. We all will see you again Bill. May GOD be with all of you.
Stacy, Mike, and Ocie: My husband Marvin and I wish to express our sympathy and we will keep you in our prayers. It was such a shock to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill was a kind and gentle soul and was always there with a helping hand. We kept in touch after he moved to Speegleville but we missed him not being across the street and seeing his smiling face every day. He was a very dear friend and neighbor and we will certainly miss him.
My condolences to the family of Bill. May God bless you.
Mr. Bill was a awesome person to be around and was always happy. I met him at my aunt lisas and uncle roberts. My favorite memory of him is by far the day I kept calling him uncle bill instead of mr bill till he finally told me not worry he could be my uncle too. I know you are in a better place dancing and fishing anytime you want to. Not a day will go by that you will not be remembered.
Bill you will be deeply missed by all who knew you. You had such a big heart and a smile on your face. You truly were one of a kind. I do have a lot of good memories of dancing, fishing & camping. Love you until we meet again.
Honey….Baby….Sweetie…….Oh how we wish we could hear you say that one more time. You were loved by so many people and will be greatly missed by all. You were such a sweet, loving, caring man who was ready to help anybody who needed it. We will miss the pontoon outings, the dancing, the red neck golf, playing 31, calling you for supper, etc……but most of all your company, your smile, your blue eyes, the welcome hugs and friendship we shared. We Love You Mr. Bill. May you Rest in Peace.
To Mike, Ocie, Biff, Stacy and Family, If we can do anything to help any of you, you know where we are. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
Love to you all
Dearest Bill,
It was a total shock to hear of your sudden passing. You were the most caring, giving, thoughtful, kind and loving person I’ve known and most of all a true gentlemen! I want to say “Thank You” for all the wonderful times we shared together. They are memories that I will carry always. God has not only received a great man, but an Angel to help him out. You will be missed so very much by me and all that knew you and boy that is a lot of people!! You were a true cowboy and may you rest in peace….Until we met again, keep on riding and roping high in the sky…..God Bless You and lots of love to you sweet Bill….
It was a Shock to hear about Bill. I am in Ohio and just received a message from a friend. I am so very sorry for everyone who loved him and everyone he loved! Bill and my husband Gene were like brothers. Gene died in1992. Bill was always there for me , my daughter Susan and son Stewart. He was very much loved and will be missed! I remember every time I fixed a meal and he was invited he was always late!! He would always say he got off in a storm. He was always helping friends and family (or anyone who needed help) He was one of a kind. There will never be anyone like him!!!
My deepest sympathy to Bill’s family, you are in my prayers.
Gary Huffman