William Derryberry

He was born on July 9, 1946 in New York, NY to I.D. and Laura Derryberry. Bill graduated from Richfield High School in Waco, TX in 1964.

Bill served in the army from 1966 to 1970 where he served in Turkey and Okinawa. Bill received the National Defence Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After his discharge, he drove 26 hours straight from Massachusetts to Texas to attend his sister’s high school graduation ceremony.

Bill received his Bachelor's degree in History from North Texas State University in 1973. He had nearly finished his Masters in Public Administration before he was recruited to join the City of Austin Planning and Budget office.

During his decades of service with the City of Austin and Travis County, Bill was instrumental in helping to establish the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, the Austin Convention Center, the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, and countless other projects that will have lasting impact on the Austin area community.

In retirement, Bill spent hundreds of hours volunteering at the Bob Bullock Texas State History museum. He was dedicated to the First United Methodist Church of Austin: serving on the finance committee, schlepping bells, and slinging bar-b-que for the church’s Russia missions.

Bill loved telling stories whether they were about his family life on the fishing camp, Texas history, or football. When his daughter was a baby, he would put her to sleep by reciting the counties and county seats of Texas. He was an avid football fan of both high school and college.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Shirley whom he married in 1974; his sister Kathryn Flenniken and her husband John; son Thomas; daughter Rebekah Mateer, her husband Marcus, and granddaughter Clara who called him Pop Pop.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas on August 7th at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his honor to the First United Methodist Church Appalachia Service Project or special music fund.