April 1, 1947 – January 7, 2014 William Thomas “Bill” Sears III, long time resident of Bells, Texas, passed away on January 7, 2014 at his home. He was 66 years old.
Bill was born to the late William Thomas (W.T.) and Edna Earle Sears in Sherman, Texas on April 1, 1947. After graduating from Bells High School in 1965, Bill went to work at Texas Instruments. Bill worked at T.I. for a short time before he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. After training in Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, he served a two year tour of duty in Vietnam. While serving in the U.S. Army, he received the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Upon his return home, he went to work for M.K.T. Railroad and his family farm. After 15 years of working for the railroad, Bill began a trucking business hauling sand and gravel. He continued to farm his family’s land as well.
Bill had a passion for raising cattle, farming and gardening. He loved fishing, football and Ford trucks. Bill was always fond of his cattle, especially the show steers that he raised and the ones his daughters showed.
Bill is survived by his two daughters: DeAn Jeffrey and husband, Rob and Misty Thompson and husband, Paul. His grandchildren include Jentry & Brett Little, Bandy & Melanie Jeffrey, Whitney & Heath Bergkamp and Khloe Thompson. His great-grandchildren include Cash, Laykin & Logan Little and Ansley Mae Jeffrey. Bill is survived by his brother, David Sears and wife, Clara and their children and grandchildren along with the mothers of his two children: Sharon Fulmer and Kaye Burleson. Pallbearers will include: Bandy Jeffrey, Brett Little, Heath Bergkamp, Danny Stanphill, Jim Buffalo and Milton Pugh.
All are invited to join the family in a celebration of the life of Bill Sears at the Mullican-Little Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 11:00am. Family visitation will be held at 10:00am prior to the service in the chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Bells Elementary School Angel Fund. PO Box 7, Bells, TX 75414.