Billie Howard McClendon

Billie (Bill) Howard McClendon, 87, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024 after a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was born on February 8, 1937, in Mexia, TX, to Elvie and Katherine McClendon in his grandparents’ home; he was the older sibling of his beloved sister, Janet Schneider.

Bill grew up just north of Groesbeck, TX, and enjoyed living in the country. He found relaxation in hiking and camping in the pastures with his trusted pup, Rusty and close friends. Bill graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1955 where he made the All-State Band playing clarinet. He was also the valedictorian of his class. Most importantly, he met Sylvia Ford during his senior year at a church hayride while she was in town visiting her grandmother. He attended the University of Texas and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and he worked at a local hospital in Austin while completing his degree.

 Bill & Sylvia were married on January 30, 1959 at the Furman Avenue Church of Christ in Corpus Christi, TX. They briefly lived in Midland, TX, where he worked for Shell Oil. They moved to Corpus Christi, TX, and then to Sulphur, LA, where he worked for PPG Industries in a variety of engineering and management positions for 37 years. After retiring, they moved to Wylie, TX, to be closer to their children and (more importantly) grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed going to high school football games, color guard and band contests to watch his grandchildren perform.

Bill and Sylvia raised two children, Lisa and Brad. Church activities were an integral part of family life. Bill enjoyed teaching both youth and adult classes as well as leading singing. He served as a Deacon at the Weber Road and Maplewood congregations and served as an Elder at the Maplewood and Wylie congregations. He served as a Deacon or an Elder for 50 years and was always active in doing Kingdom work.

In his spare time, you could find Bill fixing things around the house. He was a gifted problem solver. He also enjoyed being out on the water and catching a few fish.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sylvia McClendon (Wylie, TX), daughter Lisa McClendon (Wylie, TX), son and daughter-in-law Brad and Genell McClendon (Rowlett, TX), grandchildren Kathleen and Ryan O'Connor (Plano, TX), Nick and Lissa McClendon (Dallas, TX), great-grandchild Elaine O’Connor. He is also survived by sister, Janet and Oscar Schneider (Houston, TX), brother-in-law, James & Ganelle Ford (Lake Livingston), brother-in-law, Doug Ford (Phoenix, AZ) and many loving relatives. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Elvie and Katherine McClendon.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Wylie Church of Christ and to Care Church for your love and support during Bill’s illness. We are also grateful for the care given by the staff at Baylor Scott and White and Beacon Harbor.

A celebration of life will be held at the Wylie Church of Christ at 10:30 a.m. in Wylie, TX on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Visitation with the family will start at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice or to Arms of Hope in Bill’s memory: https://armsofhope.org/