William B. Fawcett – November 14, 1922 – April 5, 2016

November 14, 1922 – April 5, 2016
After a rapid decline in health, William Bloys Fawcett died on April 5, 2016 at the age of 93. He passed away at the dream home (known affectionately as Nsaka, which means “place of gathering” in Bemba) that he designed and built with the love of his life, Frances Gilbert Fawcett. The youngest of three children, William was the last surviving child of the late Leslie Clarence Fawcett and Estelle Virginia Bloys (preceded in death by his sister Catherine Benner and his brother Leslie Clarence Jr.). Named after his grandfather, Rev. William Bloys (a Presbyterian circuit-rider minister in Ft Davis TX), William spent his life in the service of his community as a veteran, a father, active church member, and entrepreneur.
William put aside his pursuit of a college degree to serve in the Army Air Corps during World War II. From 1943-1945 he served in the Pacific as a B-24 bombardier. Although he had many entertaining stories of the pranks and antics of his fellow airmen, William was always adamant that the horrors of war were to be avoided and he strongly advocated for the pursuit of peaceful solutions. Returning from the war he was married briefly to Dorie Watts, and together they had a daughter, Susan (Brewer).
While serving at the House of Neighborly Service William met Frances Gilbert. Throughout their 51 year marriage they contributed through their family and through their work with the Boy Scouts of America (William became an Eagle Scout and served as a troop leader after the war), the House of Neighborly Service (San Antonio), San Antonio Habitat for Humanity (serving on the board and in other capacities), hosting African scholars in their pursuit of collegiate degrees, and in many other ways on a day to day basis. When he was in his 80s William made certain to visit the “senior citizens” at the VA Hospital in Kerrville and at the Rainbow Senior Center in Boerne.
William was active in the Presbyterian Church throughout his life, serving in many capacities while living in San Antonio (Denver Blvd/Bethany 1921-1945 and Los Angeles Heights 1945-1978) and Boerne (St. Mark 1978-2016).
He served on the session, taught Sunday school, and made a wide variety of clever and durable toys and playground equipment for the Kindergartens. To many, he is still known as “Mr. Bill”.
From 1946-2006 William was co-owner (mostly with Truett Moore) of Fawcett Furniture Company. Commonly referred as “The Store”, it began in Kerrville TX around 1900 before opening in San Antonio (1921). More than just a furniture store, William and Truett made sure their customers were cared for in all aspects of their lives. From collecting and reading the mail for a blind customer to housing George Kline’s infamous fruit peddling, The Store was a critical resource for many in downtown San Antonio.
As much as he believed in living life in the service of others, William loved his family even more. William and Frances raised four wonderful children: Ruth (now known as Sarah) Estelle, William Bloys Jr., Frank Leslie, and Carl Gilbert Fawcett. His family was his greatest joy and his smile was never brighter than when the grand- and great-grandkids would visit. Always mindful that he was never able to finish his college education, William ensured that each of his children could pursue the career of their choice.
A public memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday May 14th at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 208 W. Bandera Road, Boerne TX.