William Dellno Durham's Obituary
DURHAM, WILLIAM (“BILL”) DELLNO was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on March 5, 1936, to William Bredell Durham and Lois Holladay Gray Durham. He died at his home in Dallas, Texas on May 21, 2013. Bill was from a hardscrabble neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio. He worked a regular job from age 14 until his retirement in 2006. Growing up, Bill was raised by his mother Lois, an RN. He took on responsibility for helping the family, including his two younger brothers, Jerry and Larry. Bill played football at Waite High School and was able to attend college at Toledo University because of a fully funded football and ROTC scholarship. He was always looking for additional work to help his mother and younger brothers. In 1956, Bill met and fell in love with Tamara Townsend, an education major and cheerleader at Toledo University. They married on April 5, 1958. Bill was named All Mid-American Conference at Toledo University. He could have played football for Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, or LSU (he even spent the night at the home of legendary football coach Woody Hayes on a recruiting visit to Ohio State). After earning his business degree, Bill received contract offers from the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Colts. But, like so many young men at the time, Bill had a commitment to join the military, so he became a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1959. After his military service, Bill and Tam moved to Detroit, Michigan, where they began a family, with son Scott Gray born in 1961. They moved to Sacramento, California, where son Clark Robert was born in 1964, and Bill began his career with rocket builder Aerojet General Corporation during height of America’s moon-landing program. While possessing the stature and talent to play professional football. Bill became known for his kindness, sense of humor, personal integrity and commitment to family. Colleagues affectionately referred to him as “Bull Durham” over the years. Bill was an exceptional manager of people in the business he led, and with his guidance many future business leaders were developed. In 1980, he was named as President for Aerojet’s subsidiary Graver Tank & Mfg. Co. in Houston, Texas. Later, Bill followed his mentor, Jack Volbrecht Sr. to Denver, Colorado, where he became President of an innovative procurement subsidiary of U S West. Bill returned to Southern California as CEO of industrial company For Better Living, Inc., where he worked until his retirement in 2006. Bill and Tam moved to Dallas in 2008 to be closer to their sons and families: Scott and wife, Jennifer, with sons, Andrew and Alex; Clark and wife, Suzanne, with sons, Clark Jr., Pierce and Jack. It took serious persuation by the five Durham grandsons to convince “Bubba”, as they called him, to leave his California beaches, but he quickly became the biggest and loudest fan at all of their activities. Whether football, hockey, baseball, swimming, lacrosse, basketball, band concert, academic fair, hand bell choir, investment symposium or another activity. Bill was heard by those near and far with his trademark “YAHOO” in support of a grandson. Bill was an avid golfer and made deep and lasting friendships as a member of country clubs in California (El Niguel, Northridge, Eldorado Royal), Texas (Baywood, Bent Tree, Columbia Lakes) and Colorado (Plum Creek, Lone Tree). In addition to golf, Bill always enjoyed his weekly visit to beat the odds at Winstar Casino in Oklahoma. Bill’s proudest accomplishment was his family, for whom he was provider and protector. Having grown up without a father himself. Bill cherished that role and gave generously in ways he never had the benefit of experiencing. He was prone to say “Luv Ya” in parting from a friend or family member – or the guy that opened his door or took his order. Never afraid to share his feelings, never stingy with his praise, Bill cultivated an army of loyal followers along the way. Although not trained in formal religion. Bill taught by example the meaning of compassion. As he struggled to help “find the solution” for someone else’s problem or suffering. Bill Durham created a legacy that will not be forgotten. In addition to his wife, sons and grandsons. Bill is survived by two brothers: Gerald F. Durham and his wife, Lynn, of Ohio, Lawrence G. Durham and his wife, Ruth, of Florida. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 24, 2013 at Restland Wildwood Chapel, 13005 Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?