William Thomas Rich III's Obituary
On June 5, 2015, Bill passed away after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family at his home in Dallas, Texas. Bill was born in Texarkana, Texas on September 26, 1940 and moved to Dallas at the age of 4. He was an All-City football player at North Dallas High School when he met his loving wife of 55 years, Doris. Bill attended the University of Texas and served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard before starting a long and successful career in the beverage alcohol industry. He was named Vice President of Sales of S.H. Lynch Company. Bill, or “Gramps” as he was known to his grandchildren, loved to laugh and make others around him laugh. His quick wit and sense of humor are legendary among friends and family and his clever sayings and words of wisdom will be passed on for generations. Bill never seemed to meet a stranger and he had an uncanny way of greeting people with a kind thought or gesture that would brighten their day. He was the patriarch of an extended family and his leadership, mentorship, kindness and generosity will always be cherished and remembered. Bill lived an amazing life. He and Doris traveled together to many places in Europe as well as Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Fiji and other destinations. They even travelled as far as The Philippines just to watch their grandchildren play baseball. He loved his family and was always there to cheer on his children and grandchildren in sports or any other activities they were involved in. He also loved the game of golf and will be missed by his many long-time friends with the Forple Club. Bill loved his wife dearly, and their relationship and friendship with each other was truly special. Doris never left his side throughout his illness and her strength, compassion, care and love was extraordinary. Bill was preceded in death by his father, William T. Rich, Jr.; his mother, Bertha (“Boots”) Rich Brown; and his brother-in-law Burt Browning. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Doris Rich; his son, Carl Rich; his daughter, Lisa Wiley and her husband, Mike; his grandchildren, Sean and Chris Wiley and Chris’ wife, Audrey; his sister, Rita Browning; his nieces, Julie Browning and Allison Simpson; and countless other friends and relatives. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Restland Funeral Home. A memorial celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 2:30 PM Monday, June 8, 2015 in Restland Memorial Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Presbytarian Hospice, UT SW Medical Center or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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