William A. Worsham

William Arthur Worsham, Jr., born August 12, 1924 in Dallas, died August 27, 2013 in Austin. After graduating from Richardson High School, Bill attended Southern Methodist University with a major in mechanical engineering. He interrupted his college education during World War II for service in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, Bill finished his degree at SMU and moved to Austin, where he worked as an engineer for state government and for the University of Texas. He retired from UT in 1989 with over 20 years of service. He is survived by his daughters Margaret Worsham Musgrove and Jane Worsham Starnes, sons-in-law John Musgrove and Steve Starnes, and grandchildren Elaine, Rebecca, and Jason Musgrove. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Jean Dillard Worsham, his parents, William Arthur and Jessye Worsham, his brother Cole and sister Doris.

Bill married Jean Dillard in Austin in 1961 and they had 48 harmonious years together, until her death in 2009. He was Jean's devoted caretaker during her extended illness. Bill and Jean met at University United Methodist Church, where they remained active members. Together, Bill and Jean enjoyed traveling, attending the symphony and opera, and dining with their friends in the Foreign Cuisine group. They enjoyed meeting people from different countries and always made an effort to learn their names and customs. When Jean had an opportunity in 1989 to teach English for a summer in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Bill went along and explored the city. After retirement, Bill spent many years working with volunteer organizations and taking classes through Lifetime Learning. A lifelong passion for books resulted in a large collection, a vast knowledge of trivia, and an uncanny ability to identify rising literary stars.

Bill took great pride in his daughters' and grandchildren's academic and professional accomplishments. He was known to his family and friends as a quiet but generous giver, a humble worker, and a friend to people in all walks of life. He treated everyone with the same reserved but friendly manner. His friends and family knew his dry sense of humor and quick wit. Throughout his illness, Bill maintained a gracious nature and a positive, yet realistic outlook. Numerous charities were the recipients of his contributions. Even in the last months of his life, from his nursing home, Bill insisted on donating to relief efforts for victims of the explosion in West, Texas, and the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. His family is grateful to the staff at Longhorn Village for their devoted care over the past two years and to the staff at Heart to Heart Hospice, who helped him through this last stage of life. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, the University United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice.

Funeral service will be held Friday, August 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe, Austin. Parking is available at the Platinum Parking Lot at 25th and Guadalupe. Burial to follow at Austin Memorial Park.