A memorial service was held at the Fellowship Church
(Dallas campus) located at the corner of Central
Expressway and Ross Avenue, on the west side. The church
was basically filled to capacity, with many of his
friends, former classmates at North Dallas High, a
Marine Corp honor guard, several uniformed Dallas
Policemen, and a large contingent of his immediate
family among others. Many of his monthly luncheon former
athletes in high school were present, and one former
coach from North Dallas, John Rowland. On the platform
in the front of the church were two large tv showing
scenes from Big Bill's photo collection, several large
floral arrangements, and a speakers stand where after
the photographic show, a representative from the Dallas
Police, Mona Neill, told about Bill's becoming
acquainted and involved with the various Dallas police
men and his continuing interest in their welfare.
The minister followed with the usual prayers and
religious readings but then went into telling stories of
how Bill lived his life starting when he was seven years
of age clear up thru grade school, high school, going to
TCU, and spending six years (two active duty, four
reserve) in the Marine Corp, ending up as a Gunnery
Sergeant, with a helicopter company. Then followed that
with his career at Budweiser in sales, his further
charitable efforts, his phenomenal memory when it came
to remembering names, birthdays, special occasions,
children, grandchildren of his friends, and how to find
some old friend, better than some GPS technology could
do. Not to forget his love for anything football, games,
and his beloved Horn Frogs from Fort Worth and TCU. He
bled purple so the minister said.
From personal experience I know he loved trading barbs
with any body who supported any team which played TCU,
and was an active supporter of the North Dallas
Bulldogs. You could look at Bob McCauley's Greater
North Dallas High website and see how much he was
involved one way or another with promoting North Dallas
and its atheltic endeavors. At the end of the service,
the Marine honor guard, two sergeants came forward and
unfolded the American Flag, held it spread in front of
the audience, while a recording of taps was played, then
the flag was refolded, and the senior sergeant, another
Gunny, presented the flag to Big Bill's wife as I was
told.
The audience was dismissed after the family departed to
the front to set up a receiving line. Later in the
afternoon a celebration of Big Bill's life was to be
conducted at the Dallas Police Association Club on 1412
E. Griffin in downtown from 4 to 7 PM..
At the end of the printed program were two familiar
sayings, repeated here for those who knew of his Marine
association and with TCU, his two favorite associations
besides his high school.
"Hail all hail, TCU, Memories Sweet, Comrades True Light
of Faith, Follow through Praise to Thee, TCU.
"Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are
proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve. If the Army and the Navy Ever
look on Heaven's scenes, They will find the streets are
guarded by United States Marines."
At
In Memory Of William (Bill) Henry (Big Bill) Driscoll
III
9th September 1936 - 7th February 2009
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This memorial website was created in the memory of William
(Bill) (Big Bill) Henry Driscoll III, born on the 9th September
1936 and passed away on the 7th February 2009, 72 years of age.
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