Billy James Middlebrook

An incredible inspiration to all who knew him and just an overall amazing man, Billy “Bill” James Middlebrook, 89, longtime resident of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully in the presence of his twin daughters, Michele and Mimi, and among the incredible, compassionate medical team at Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas.

Bill will be forever remembered as an incredibly generous man who supported his family in so many ways. He was a father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, work colleague, friend and all-around live-life-to-the fullest individual who brought smiles and dad jokes! -- to all he encountered.

Born in West, Texas, he eventually moved and grew up in Fort Worth, where he met the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Paden at Arlington Heights, High School. Bill joined the United States Air Force immediately after graduation in 1955 and two years later -- although always staying in touch -- went back on leave to convince Pat that she was the one for him. They married three weeks later, in 1957, after attending the movie, “Rock Around the Clock.” So began their 59-year journey together which was cut short only because of the loss of Pat from cancer in 2016 at the age of 79.

Bill welcomed his time in school, post-high school at Arlington, thanks to Pat who encouraged him every step of the way. He earned his Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Business at The Ohio State University, his Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at George Washington University and after spending a 20-year career with the U.S. Air Force, upon which he retired in 1975 as a Captain, went back to get his Ph.D. in Business from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. In 1983, he took the family to Austin, Texas where he began his 33-year career as a professor at Southwest Texas State University which became Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas just south of Austin.

While travel had always been a part of his and Pat’s living experience, it stepped up exponentially once arriving in Austin, including time spent on several cruises, including throughout the Caribbean, as well as in several destinations in Europe and a cherished family Hawaii trip.

Like Pat, Bill also enjoyed reading a great deal and stayed active exercise-wise, riding his stationary bicycle at least four/five times.

Bill is survived by his sister, Betty Hoskins and husband, Jerry of Pleasant Hope, Missouri; twin daughters, Mimi Keenom of Fort Worth and Michele Gonzalez of Austin; Mimi’s son and beloved grandson, Austin, partner Maddie Carter and great grandson, James Caleb of Azle, Texas; Mimi’s fiancé, Brad Pittman and one grand-dog, Molly; Michele’s husband and son-in-law, Mario Gonzalez, along with “grand-cat” Misty; sister-in-law Janice Paden of Fort Worth; plus numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, second-cousins, numerous extended family members and countless friends, including the amazing family at Texas State University.

Bill is preceded in death by his lovely wife and best friend, Pat, along with parents Lovie Mae and Luther James.

We will miss such an incredible man who is now joined with his best friend and partner, Pat. Enjoy college football in Heaven, Go Buckeyes! Our hearts are lifted knowing that you are now an angel watching over us.

We know that there are so many who are thinking of Bill and already missing him. For those of you who can join us for a celebration of Bill’s life, a viewing is planned on Saturday, December 21 at 11 A.M. with a graveside burial scheduled for 2 P.M. that same day followed by a BBQ-catered reception, all at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.