Bill (William) Richard Eller passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, in Oglesby, Texas.
Bill was born on June 17, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Elkhart area of Indiana. He moved to Texas in 1973 and worked as a mechanic at Magee Brothers Garage. He attended Texas State Technical Institute and received his associates degree as an industrial electrician. His work took him to several states until he went to work for Wilson Art in Temple, Texas. After a full career, Bill retired from Wilson Art.
Bill loved Nascar and every Sunday was spent watching the various races and following the drivers. In 1992, Bill began his dirt track racing career and spent over twenty-five years racing at Heart of Texas Speedway in Elm Mott, Texas. After he stopped driving, he would still go and watch the races every Friday night with good friend, Larry Moore.
After living in Lorena for over thirty years, Bill moved to Oglesby, Texas, in 2022; and lived there for a year and half until he passed away at home.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, George Eller; mother, Dorothy Paige Eller; and brothers, Bud (George) Eller, and Jim Eller.
Bill is survived by his three children, Annie Barnes and fiancé’ Eric Haan, Patti Goforth and husband Donnie Goforth, and William “Billy” Eller Jr. and wife Michelle Eller; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; Ryan Woodall and Sara Bell (great granddaughter – Blakely Woodall), Paul Musick-Eller (great granddaughters – Maddie and Tinzlie), Cody Willams and wife McKenzie Williams ( great grandchildren – Charlotte, Caroline and Clayton), Brent Woodall, Kaylee Eller and fiancé’ Kris Kneifle (great grandchildren – Mason and Arthur), Emily Eller, and William M Eller; sister, Marilyn Custer; brother, Gene Eller; girlfriend, Cynthia Champlin, and many other extended family members.
Bill’s family extends their gratitude to the staff of Gentle Transitions Hospice care for their tender and compassionate care for him over the last five months. In accordance with Bill’s final wishes, there will not be a formal service at this time. Instead, the family will have a memorial at the Oglesby community center on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 2:00PM.
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Omg I loved this guy and his racing he let me drive his car as fast as I could stand to do so at the Barnes farm it was a blast only downside was getting in and out of the car. He helped me and my ex husband out several times with electrical issues and did a great job. He will be missed and I loved his accent and razed him about it. God bless him and his family
Also my boys Bryan and Matthew Barnes send their condolences
Dear family, We send our deepest heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort and healing.
love from Rachel, Tom and Rita💕
My condolences to the family of Mr. Eller. He was always a pleasure to take care of and i enjoyed seeing him in the office. May his memory be a blessing to you.