Truett "Bill" William Poer Jr.

In loving memory of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, father-in-law, and good friend to many, Truett William “Bill” Poer, Jr.  It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill, a true legend in the art of living life to the fullest.

He departed this world on October 14, 2023, after a series of extraordinary lifelong adventures. Bill was born on January 8, 1939, in Pecos, Texas and grew up in nearby Monahans. From a very young age, it was clear that he had an uncanny ability to turn any mundane situation into an adventure, and was a natural born leader, quick to lord over his two younger brothers, Sandy, and Cap.

In 1957, Bill attended Texas Tech, pledged Kappa Sigma, received a B.A. in Business Management, mastered his reputation of being the life of the party, and very quickly lived up to his moniker “Wild Bill.” With his quick wit and vivacious laughter, Bill was the ultimate punchline provider and party coordinator. He relished his years at Tech, and always spoke fondly of his Kappa Sig brothers and their shared exploits.

After graduating from Tech, Bill happily married Gayle Ann Schornack on October 1, 1962, who shared his zest for travel and adventure. They moved to Dallas where he worked for Roadway, and eventually Brown & Root for 25 years as an executive manager. During his career at B&R, Bill was given the opportunity to work overseas, and he and Gayle Ann jumped at the chance. With their young daughter Kim in tow, they packed up for England, and lived in Great Yarmouth, during which time their son, Trey, was born. Two years later saw the Poer family move to Angola, Africa; followed by two years in Holland; another stint in England where their youngest son Lance was born; then back to the States—California, Alaska, and finally to his beloved home state of Texas where they set down roots in McKinney.
 

After leaving Brown & Root, Bill’s vocations, hobbies, and accomplishments were wide and varied. At one point, his love of gardening led him to own a wholesale nursery business. His appreciation for travel put him in a long-haul truck for Stevens Transport for a while. He even drove a school bus, was in partnership of a Country Burger restaurant, and a putt-putt golf course with his lifelong friend Don Richardson. After the passing of his beloved wife Gayle, Bill moved to Kerrville in 2016 and built a barndominium on his 36 acres. Shortly thereafter, Trey, his wife Michelle, and their three young boys left Dallas and built a home next door to Bill. In 2021, Bill’s daughter Kim moved in across the street, making Canyon View Drive a veritable Poer compound.

Bill’s Christian faith never wavered, and he was active in church as a treasurer at Chambersville Methodist and Cottage Hill Methodist Church.

Bill’s greatest accomplishment was the love he had for his family. He shared a deep bond with his wife Gayle Ann, and his children, Kim, Trey and Lance were a source of pride and joy. He took great delight in his grandchildren, Ashley, Aleisa, Dillon, Devon and Kessler, and was thrilled to meet his great-grandson, Emmett. Bill loved and respected his brothers, Sandy and Cap, who added happiness and camaraderie throughout his life, and had great love for their families in addition to his wife’s families (Schornack’s & Willoughby’s). He also leaves behind countless friends, Kappa Sig brothers, colleagues, workers, and his loyal and beloved dog Baxter.

Bill is survived by his children, and their spouses Kim Ball (Todd), Trey Poer (Michelle), Lance Poer (Jessica), his brothers Sandy Poer (Lynn), Cappy Poer (Lila), grandchildren Ashley Ball Powell (Warner), Aleisa Poer, Dillon/Devon/Kessler Poer, and great-grandchild Emmett Eubanks.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Paisano Baptist Encampment, Alpine, TX http://wp-paisano.clevr.me/about/memorials-and-tributes/ in Bill Poer’s name.
Please visit Bill’s online memorial page to share and read stories about Bill’s wonderful life: https://www.weremember.com/bill-poer/4u5g/memories

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