William (Bill) Albert Napier, of Devine, passed away peacefully at his residence, in the early morning hours, on Friday January 5, 2018 at the age of 91.
He was born, the youngest of two children, on February 24, 1926 in Lonoke, Arkansas to Gilbert Gray and Rosie Marrie Napier (née Fisher).
Bill grew up working on farms and helping his father repair large machinery. He graduated from Central High School in Little Rock, AR in the spring of 1944 and entered the U.S. Army in the fall, of that same year,where he served until mid 1946. At a party, in the fall of 1946, he met the true love of his life in Miss Dorothy (Dot) Marie Sellers and they were married on September 9, 1947. By 1952 Bill and Dot had two children and had settled in Hot Springs, AR where they were soon joined by Dot’s elderly father Mason. By all accounts, they had a very happy home with two working parents (well before that was common place) and a devoted grandfather to help raise the kids. Bill and Dot relocated to Mandeville, LA in June of 1967 with their youngest child Sharon where Bill cemented his career as a top-notch service manager with Letsch Pontiac, receiving awards for his skills in serving the clients. Throughout the years Bill was known by many for his large and very productive vegetable gardens and his uncanny ability to diagnose just about anything wrong with a car just by listening to it for a few minutes. Bill was an extremely devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. He and Dot also spent a life together helping to raise many “extended family” children in a loving environment as surrogate grandparents and dedicated many hours to visiting with the elderly residents of various nursing homes, providing comfort and companionship to residents without family.
“He felt like his greatest accomplishments in life were winning Dot’s love in marriage and being a parent to two really great kids! He leaves life on earth with knowledge he knows Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and looks forward to the indescribable love and happiness with all his friends and family in God’s kingdom!” –Bill Napier 2010
He is survived by his daughter Sharon Stromske of Devine; grandchildren Michael Napier of Dallas, TX;Jennifer and husband Tommy Boyd of Oshkosh, WI; Kristin and husband Jim Coop of McKinney, TX;Jeff Stromske of Oshkosh, WI; Zac Napier of Hot Springs, AR and great-grandchildren Cayden Napier (16), Mackenzie Coop (13), Serenity Whitaker (12), Jackson Coop (10), Macie Boyd (9), and Camdyn Napier (6 weeks).
Memorial service will be held Friday January 12, 2018 at 10:30 am at Divine Savior Lutheran Church, 405 Ingram Road Devine, Texas.
Interment, with full honors, will be held at Fort Sam Houston at a later date.
The family has requested that donation may be made to Gift of Hope at Divine Savior Lutheran Church.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family, share memories or sign the guestbook may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home 303 W. College Ave., Devine, TX 78016 (830)663-4445.