Bill Wood

Bill Wood, 89, of Levelland passed to Heaven on October 15, 2017. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Krestridge Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Levelland. Burial will follow in the City of Levelland Cemetery.

Bill was born November 29, 1927 in Wellington, Texas to parents Troy and Vela Wood. Bill grew up on a farm near Anton and graduated from Anton High School in 1947. He was a talented athlete and was given the opportunity to try out for the Boston Red Sox baseball team. The story he told his family is that he went out to Florida on a sleeper car (train) but returned home on a coach car. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1951. Later he returned to Texas Tech and received his masters degree. Bill's first teaching/coaching position was at Pettit High School where he coached girls' basketball. The next year he coached everything at Pettit and his football team went undefeated. Bill married Kathleen Leavelle, of Pettit, on June 5, 1954. He was then called up by the Army. After basic, Bill was stationed in Panama for 18 months where he played on the baseball team and coached the basketball team for the Army Post in Panama. His basketball team won the Panama Area Championship, then flew to Puerto Rico and won the Caribbean Championship, which was one of his most memorable experiences. After returning home, he taught and coached in Three Way, Cotton Center and Sundown. He took two Sundown girls' basketball teams to the state tournament and had many district championships. He retired from Sundown in 1987.

After retirement, Bill enjoyed golfing and watching many sporting events. He kept up with every team and sport in the area. He was an avid Tech, SPC and Rangers fan. He enjoyed being a part of the Sonshine Choir at First Baptist for many years.

He is survived by one daughter, Kathy Tatum, and husband, Eddie Tatum of Canyon; one son, Randy Wood and wife, Debbie Wood of Sundown; four grandchildren, Ryan Tatum and wife Jessica of Lubbock, Sarah Tawwater and husband Colin of Amarillo, Lindsey Parker and husband Lance of Fort Worth, and Kelsey Wood of Fort Worth. He was looking forward to the birth of his first great grandchild, Lily Parker, in November.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen, his parents, Troy and Vela, and brother Noyle and his wife, Lorena.

Bill was loved by many more than family. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hickory House and Interim Health Care for the care they provided for Bill.

Family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Sonshine Choir at FBC or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home. (806) 897-1111

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