William Ray Deever
“Bill”
Bill Deever, 72, of Beaumont died October 29, 2005 at Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital.
Bill was born September 30, 1933 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to the late Garnet and Samuel Ray Deever, and graduated from Parkersburg High School where one of his accomplishments included playing for the “Big Red” football state championship team. After his graduation, he entered the Air Force as a radar technician, and it was at this time that Bill decided to pursue a college degree. He would go on to earn a BS in chemistry from Marietta College in Ohio and ultimately a PhD in chemistry from the University of Washington. Bill worked for Texaco’s Research and Environmental Affairs Department for over twenty-five years, during which time he was awarded five United States patents.
Bill was a devoted husband to his wife Judy of forty-two years and father to his children Kathy and Chris, and as a loving “Papa” to his grandson, George Weir, Jr. He shared his love for the outdoors with his son Chris as an avid duck hunting, fishing and photography partner. With his daughter, Kathy he shared his love of design, arts, creativity and imagination. He and his wife, Judy have been long time members of Trinity United Methodist Church and the “Hamaco” Sunday School Class. Bill was also a proud member of the Trinity Army for over ten years, actively helping to serve and assist those in Beaumont and surrounding communities. He also served on the church mission committee, working tirelessly for the annual church garage sale, and was most recently instrumental in caring for the Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
Bill is survived by his wife, Judy Deever of Beaumont; daughter, Kathy Weir and her husband George of Fannett; son, Chris Deever of Dallas; sister, Amy Harris and her husband Jack of Parkersburg, West Virginia; grandson, George Weir, Jr.; niece and nephew, Megan and Ryan Harris of Parkersburg, West Virginia.
A memorial service will be 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at Trinity United Methodist Church, under the direction of Broussard’s Mortuary, 2000 McFaddin. A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the church. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Broussard’s Mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 7015, Beaumont, Texas 77726 or Trinity United Methodist Church.
