Beloved husband and father William Rand “Bill” Tilson, Jr. passed away July 21, 2009 in Huntsville, Texas at the age of 63.
Bill was born September 23, 1945 in Glendale, California to William R. “WR” Tilson, Sr. and Naomi Hamm Tilson. Bill was preceded in death by his father in 1977 and his mother in 2001. He is survived by wife Denise, daughter Elizabeth Chapman and her husband Michael Chapman, sister, Linda Tilson of Venice, Florida, mother-in-law Gloria Larkin and brother-in-law Daryl Giebelstein. He will be missed by his canine shop pal Riata and spirited grand-dogs Blue, Roxie and Belle.
Bill graduated from Matador High School in 1964 and attended Texas Tech University before joining the Air Force as a navigational equipment technician. After proudly serving his country, he began work in Houston, Texas at Western Electric Company which ultimately became Lucent Technologies.
In a career that spanned more than thirty years, Bill began as a Western Electric central office installer and worked his way up through the ranks to Operations Area Manager of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. He received numerous commendations and was one of only a handful of employees to be awarded the top Employee Suggestion Award of $10,000 -- which he received twice.
Topping the list of what mattered most to Bill was family. His wife Denise and daughter Elizabeth were the lights of his life. Bill married Denise Adrienne Giebelstein on October 2, 1971 in Houston, Texas. Daughter Elizabeth Diane was born May 13, 1977 in Houston. Seconds after her birth, Bill held her in his arms and their life-long mutual adoration began. Elizabeth married Michael Chapman on May 18, 2002. Through the years whether thick or thin, Bill often used a phrase that his family will forever hold in their hearts: “Give it to me; I’ve got broad shoulders.”
Bill had many interests including fishing, science fiction, vegetable gardening, jazz, bagpipe music, and tracking NASA's missions, but his one true calling was woodworking. Bill retired in 2001 and in 2003 he and his wife escaped from the big city to Huntsville’s peaceful piney woods. At last he was able to pursue his long-delayed dream that had begun with his introduction to woodworking and turning in high school shop. His work ranged from stick ponies and puzzles to furniture, cabinetry and trim. As his turning abilities matured and his creativity blossomed, Bill’s creations included elaborate inlaid bowls, vases and boxes. His proudest creation was his innovative petal series which had become his signature.
Bill was well known in the national wood turning community for his original and artistic pieces. He was active in the Gulf Coast Woodturners in Houston, The Brazos Valley Turners in College Station, the World of Woodturners and The American Association of Woodturners, where he had been invited to demonstrate at this year’s national symposium. His beautiful art can be found in many collections and galleries around the country.
Fellow members of the woodturning communities say that Bill never said an unkind word about anyone and was always ready to lend a hand or share his knowledge. He was considered a wonderful friend, a gifted teacher and a talented turner. In turn, Bill would often comment on how grateful he was for the friendship, inspiration and teachings of his fellow woodturners.
Interment will be in the Tilson family plot in East Mound Cemetery, Matador, Texas. Friends and family will be gathering together to celebrate Bill’s extraordinary life. All are invited to attend on Sunday, August 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Huntsville State Park’s Raven Lodge (Group Rec Center). Food and drink will be provided.
Memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s honor to the American Association of Woodturners, Educational Opportunity Grant Program. Memorial donations via mail can be sent to AAW EOG Fund, Donation in honor of Bill Tilson, 222 Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102. Donations by credit card may be made by calling the AAW office at 651-484-9094 and asking to make a donation in honor of Bill Tilson to the AAW EOG fund.
Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com
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