William Franklin Peck's Obituary
William (Bill) Franklin Peck November 28, 1945 – May 27, 2025
Bill Peck lived his life the way he played his guitar on Christmas Eve — full of soul, heart, and a touch of humor that brought everyone together.
Born in El Paso and raised in Corpus Christi, Bill was the eldest child of Franklin and Mary Peck. He graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1963, attended Del Mar Junior College, and earned his accounting degree from the University of Texas in 1967 — a proud Longhorn for life. If it had a burnt orange logo, he owned it. If Texas Football was on, he was watching. His love for UT was legendary and unwavering.
Professionally, Bill built a respected career in accounting, beginning at Sears & Roebuck before joining Haskins & Sells (now Deloitte) in 1969. He later served as Corporate Comptroller at Braniff International Airways before founding his own practice, WFP, P.C., where he worked with integrity, sharp insight, and deep care for his clients.
But beyond his credentials and career, Bill’s life was defined by connection, laughter, and love. His laugh was contagious — the kind that warmed a room. His gift for music and his rich singing voice were matched only by his taste in country tunes and his talent with a guitar. He had a way of turning any gathering into something special — especially at Christmastime, when he'd lead the family in Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas from the Family.” It was heartfelt, a little uncouth, and absolutely perfect — just like Bill.
He was a true craftsman, and one of his quiet gifts was woodworking. To celebrate the births of his grandchildren and godchild, he lovingly built each one a rocking horse — a gesture of care that says everything about the way he showed his love.
He was a generous host, a loyal friend, and above all, a devoted husband, father, and Papaw — a name his grandchildren and great-grandchildren spoke with joy and affection. He loved deeply. He cherished his family, adored his grandchildren, and treasured every moment with his beloved wife and partner in crime, Gayle.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David Allen Peck, and his granddaughter Carly Fay Wimberly. He is survived by his wife Gayle of 35 years, his sister Joy Cole, children Darrel Peck, Lori Savage, and Nicholas Pauleit, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
To know Bill was to feel welcome. To laugh with him was to feel joy. And to be around him was a gift.
We invite you to join us in honoring and celebrating Bill’s life.
Service Thursday, June 12 at 2:00 PM Wilshire Baptist Church – Sanctuary 4316 Abrams Rd Dallas, TX 75214
Reception (following the service) Home of Paul Bender 6935 Frontierwood Place Dallas, TX 75214
Both the service and the reception are about remembering Bill the way he lived — with love, laughter, and a little Texas flair.
Come as you are, or as Bill loved you — boots, jeans, or Sunday best.
We hope you’ll join us to remember Bill, swap stories, and honor a life that was lived with music, heart, humor, and love.
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?