Billy H. Amstead

Billy Howard Amstead was born in Austin, Texas to Barbara Sheppard Amstead and Joe Amstead on August 18, 1921. He died November 10, 2016, following a brief illness. After graduating from Austin High School he attended the University of Texas and received a Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. degrees in Engineering. After short tours in industry he volunteered for the Naval Reserve in 1942 as an ensign. He served in the Pacific for 3 years as a torpedo officer for the Commander of Submarines of the 7th fleet. After World War II he went to work for the Defense Research Laboratory at the University of Texas where he met his future wife, Margaret Jane Bell. They were married in 1947. After Margaret Jane’s death in 2003, Bill married Grace (Kit) Tucker who preceded him in death in 2015.

He is survived by two children, daughter Barbara and husband Mickey Pennington of Georgetown, and son William Amstead and wife Barbara, of Pearland. Bill’s grandchildren include Sarah Pennington of Uvalde, Rebecca and Patrick Tobler of Dallas, Brent and Lindsey Amstead of San Antonio, and Kyle Amstead of Norfolk, Virginia. His great- grandchildren are Kylee and Asher Amstead of San Antonio and Logan Amstead of Jacksonville, Florida. Kit’s family became a part of Bill’s after their marriage and they are Kit’s son Thomas and wife Diana of Houston, daughter Kathleen and husband Larry of Austin, her seven grandchildren Lesley, Lauren, Timothy, Peter, Alissa, Andrew and Austin and four great-grandchildren.

Bill continued working on a graduate degree and part-time teaching. Later he was appointed instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and professor. He served as Acting Dean of the College of Engineering for a brief period. During his teaching career he authored many technical papers and several textbooks. He served on the Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross Board of Directors, Cerebral Palsy Board of Directors and other civic organizations.

He served as an elder and deacon at University Presbyterian Church and later as an elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church where he was an early member. He taught Sunday School at both churches. After moving to Brookdale at Westlake Hills twenty one years ago, he founded the Summit Christian Fellowship and led services there until his death.

He joined the Austin Exchange Club in 1950 and was a member until he passed away. In this organization he served as National President. In 1969 he became the president of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin and remained there until he became Assistant to the Chancellor of the University of Texas in 1980. After retirement he had a consulting firm and did expert witness work.

Bill was a licensed instrument pilot and amateur radio operator. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He and Margaret Jane traveled extensively birding. After retirement he spent two years as an artist with a concentration in watercolor, and learned to play both the guitar and violin, and joined the Silver Strings for a time. Both he and Margaret Jane were magicians and enjoyed sharing their magic talents with others.

Bill married Grace (Kit) Tucker in 2003 and they had a wonderful time travelling in the United States and Europe. In addition they spent much time as loving partners in assisting other residents at Brookdale.

Bill lived at Brookdale Westlake for the last twenty one years and found many new and dear friendships among residents and the many caring staff members. It was truly his home and he loved living there. He had one assistant after Kit’s death, Lorena Jara-Ranno whom he considered family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Summit Christian Fellowship, 1034 Liberty Park, Austin, Texas, 78746.

After a private burial ceremony, a memorial service will be held at Brookdale West Lake Hills on Tuesday, November 15, at 2:00pm.