William Ernest “Bill” Procter, 69, of Gholson, passed away peacefully Friday, February 2, 2018 at Providence Hospice Place.
Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2018 at Chalk Bluff Baptist Church with a reception to follow immediately after the service
In a world where heroes come and go, God just took the only one we know. Our hero took his last breath here on earth and his first one in heaven at 3:49 PM on February 2, 2018 in Waco surrounded by family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Angela and his mother and father, “Granny” and “Honey”. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diann Procter of Waco, Texas; daughters, Leta and husband, Timothy White of West, Texas and Carrie and husband, Jason Shepard of Gatesville, Texas; sisters, Mary Jane Gilbert of El Paso, Texas, Polly Elizondo of Taylors Valley, Texas, and Christine Pickett of Temple, Texas; along with grandchildren, Emily, age 11, Marie, age 11, Jaxon, age 7, and Angela, age 4; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was the only boy and third of four children born to Ernest “Honey” and Wilma “Granny” Proctor on September 24, 1948 at the old Kings Daughters Hospital in Temple, Texas.
Bill graduated from Temple High School in 1967, and then went on to graduate with an Associates in Arts and Advertising from Temple Junior College in 1969, and continued on and graduated from Texas State Technical Institute in Waco, Texas with a second Associates Degree in Arts and Advertising in 1971. While living in Waco, Bill happened to live in a duplex next to a “cute” young lady needing tin foil for her television antenna reception. Bill, being the gentleman that he was (really just wanting to meet this young lady) brought her some tinfoil. That was in January 1971, and he married that same young lady, Diann Cadenhead, in August of 1971. Bill and Diann were married in Haskell, Texas at Diann’s parents’ home. Bill and Diann welcomed three daughters, Angela, Leta, and Carrie. Over the years, and from the day he was born, he has always been outnumbered by GIRLS!
In July of 1951, at the age of three, Bill was involved in a farming accident. As a result, he was left with what some would consider a “handicap”, but not Bill. Despite his injuries, he never let anything interfere with his tenacious spirit and accomplished every goal or dream he set out to achieve. As he grew, Bill went on to become a respected and admired artist. From craft shows to wood working, pencil sketches, pencil sketches, oil pastels, T-shirt designs, as well as photography. Bill’s artwork remains cherished by family and friends.
Bill loved baseball, whether it was play, coaching, or watching. Anyone who knew him knew how gifted and talented he was when he played, especially his stretch to field balls at first base. Even when having treatments done, Bill would still find the strength to play catch with his grandkids. He was also very proud of a personally signed baseball he had received from Dizzy Dean, a famous Major League Baseball player.
At a young age, Bill found his love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. Much of his childhood, and throughout his life, Bill baited hooks, hunted, and built more campfires than can be counted. Lessons were taught on these trips as well, such as one in particular, where Bill learned the lesson in doing as you’re told does not always turn out the way you expect. When he was younger, Bill was out hunting with his father near the Devils River in Comstock, Texas. While hunting, Bill’s father had instructed him to “stay put and not to move”. After many hours later in the cold, Bill had done as he was told and was located in the exact spot where we had left him, literally frozen stiff, but Bill remained still and did as he was told and never moved.
Raised in a strong Christian home, Bill found his love for the Lord at a young age and was baptized at the age of 12. He was an active member and deacon of his church. He was a proud Christian man throughout his life and he was a role model to his children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and strangers. He loved the Lord with all his heart.
Bill also loved his “animals” and his BELOVED horse “Sister”. He loved trail riding with Diann all over Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, along with his many riding friends. Bill never met a stranger on the trail.
Above everything, his greatest joy was his grandchildren. They truly brought out the best in him; he rarely missed a first day of school, birthday, or time snuggling with them “all”! They were the “sparkle” in his eyes. Everything he did, he did for them and PaPa will never know how loved he was by each one.
A great husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend has been lost and the family would like to invite anyone who would like to pay their respects may do so on February 12, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Chalk Bluff Baptist Church for a memorial service and a reception to immediately follow.
The family gives special thanks to the loving care of Providence Hospice Place and Texas Oncology and all the nursing staff, physicians, and caregivers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Providence Hospice.
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Chalk Bluff Baptist Church , 5993 Gholson Rd.; Waco, TX 76705
Print Obituary & Condolences
Rest in peace my dear friend, rest in peace. I have so many great memories of our childhood together that it will take many years to unwrap all these special presents. You were a major influence in me becoming a Christian, and a positive subject in my teachings in elementary school. Put that crown on that perfect body my friend.
May the Lord wrap his arms around you and take you home. Memories of our high school days will always be with me. God bless and rest well my friend.
Bill, What A Friend you were! What talent! You were amazing! You were our illustrator. We thank you! You were the wonderful part of LouGeorge Books. What a beautiful job you did with “Granny! How Granny Sacked the Quarterback. Racecar Granny, and Granny Uncovers Miracles At Shriners Hospital for Children,” Not to forget, Brillo The Armadillo. Diann you were his inspiration, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss him greatly but we know he is heaven with our Savior Jesus Christ. Bill, Granny says, “See you at the Racetrack, “Ya, ya, hear!
So sorry to see this news, Diann. Prayers.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill.
He was a super guy and will be truly missed.
Our hearts go out to the entire family.
Sincerely,
Jim and Bonnie Kohnert
I wish I could be there for the memorial, but I will be out of the country at that time. Mr. Procter, as I always called him, was a cool guy, so talented, and a kind man, and I remember him fondly. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
What a wonderful tribute to him! He leaves a legacy behind. I remember what a sweet man he was and so creative. He was a great example to us all. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Bill was a second father to my son and daughter when they were left behind, the many times we suddenly had to take my middle daughter to the hospital for extended stays. He treated them just like one of his own, offering love and discipline. Bill was also a “one-of-a-kind” friend who didn’t let differences stand in the way of friendship. Although the paths of our lives have kept us apart for many years, I still think of Bill as one of my best friends. He will be greatly missed by all.
Bill was the first person I knew personally with what would be considered a handicap. I was always amazed that he did not let this stop him from doing whatever he chose. What a great example he was. As we moved to different states I lost contact with him, but as I read this story of his life I knew this was the man I knew. My thoughts and prayers are with Diane and all his family. Love you. What great memories I have of you and your family in Haskell, especially at Christmas.
Only a great man can raise great children. My the peace of Gods arms hold and comfort them. Jaxon pick out a star in the heavenly sky and that is your grandfather looking down and watching you for the rest of your life!
Love, Gloria Moore
Bill, what an amazing artist you were for me and my Companies. Not only a great artist, but a great friend. You will be missed. Prayers for the entire family. So, sorry for your lost. Lisa Austin.
A beautiful, loving tribute to a very special husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Bill was so special, loving, kind, and inspiring to everyone who was lucky enough to know him. We rejoice in the fact that he is reunited with his oldest daughter, but grieve his absence here. May your wonderful memories help carry you through this time of mourning. Our prayers are with all the family.
David and Gloria Willingham
Rest in peace classmate. You are a truly good and amazing person.
Royce Kerley Class of 67…
Diann and family,
I am praying for God’s peace for you. I first met Bill at SMI; he was a wonderful artist. The community at Chalk Bluff held you in high regard. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.
I worked with Bill at the Temple Daily Telegram in the mid-1980s when he was the manager of the back shop/composing room (I think I have that right). He taught me how to paste up copy, a skill that I used for several years as a freelance editor. Bill was funny, quick, an incredibly gifted artist, kind, and encouraging. He was the reason I didn’t have nervous breakdowns on Wednesday nights when I was “putting my magazine to bed.” A friend and fellow former TDT colleague told me about Bill’s passing. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a remarkable person, and I feel lucky to have known him even so long ago and for such a short time.
Christine and family, I am so thankful for the lives you all have lived and the joy you have shared with everyone you know. Praying our certain assurance of eternity and heavenly reunions will comfort you in the days to come because of heavenly Father’s promise that where He is, we will be too.
Diann, My prayers and Condolences to your and your daughters. Bill was a “”SUPER GUY”
Diann – I had not thought of you for years but for some reason this afternoon (2/11/19) you came to mind. I googled Bill and Diann Proctor – and was saddened to learn of Bills death last year. I still remember the time when we were all playing ping-pong and the guys were beating you and I badly and I said”OK, you guys have to play left-handed” Bill was SO FUNNY! He put the paddle in his back pocket and said “OK, serve it up!” Priceless sense of humor. Those were sweet days of friendship. So glad you were able to enjoy over 40 years of marriage together. What a legacy for your family! I know there must be a big void now that Bill always filled with so much life, love and amazing memories. Thank goodness for children & grandchildren who bring so much joy! I would love to catch up with you if you would like. Send me an email bhuggins77@yahoo.com. Love and hugs – Barbara “Babs” Presley Huggins
Hey there, scrolling through the internet and ran across Bill’s obituary. I went to school with Bill at TSTI, 1969-1971. Enjoyed having many art classes with him. I was Olivia Rodríguez, now Olivia R. Lemelle. I hated reading his obituary, but it seems God blessed him with a loving wife and family. I still remember his brilliant blue eyes. My condolences.