William Lemmons, Sr.

William R. "Bill" Lemmons, Sr. was born on December 23, 1937 in La Grange, Texas and laid down his working tools and passed into the arms of our Lord on June 21, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. He was a long-time resident of Riviera and Kingsville and was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Patricia Anne Neese Lemmons, and his parents Charles Arthur Lemmons and Robbie Schott Lemmons.
Bill spent the majority of his youth growing up in La Grange, Texas where he excelled in sports and developed a great love of math and science. Then Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson recommended Bill for acceptance into the Air Force Academy where he was presented the opportunity to play football, but an injury ended his football and military academy aspirations and redirected him toward Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University). It was there that he met the love of his life, Pat and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. Bill always made friends quickly and served as president of his college fraternity.
Bill and Pat were married on August 23, 1959 in Rosenberg, Texas. They began their married life living in Raymondville and teaching in Lyford. In 1961, they moved to Kingsville and Bill went to work as a chemist in the analytical lab at the Celanese Chemical plant in Bishop. In 1961, they welcomed their first son, William R. "Billy" Lemmons, Jr. Their family grew in 1964 with the addition of another son, Charles U. "Charlie" Lemmons. During the course of a 36 year career with Celanese, Bill earned his Master of Science degree in chemistry at Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M - Kingsville), and co-authored an industrial chemical process which was awarded a U.S. Patent. He was well known in his industry as an expert in analyzer applications engineering, specifically in the field of gas chromatography.
Bill loved his family and friends, and he was a constant supporter and encourager of his sons. Always an avid sportsman, he loved the outdoors of South Texas and was blessed to travel around the world on numerous hunting, fishing and other excursions. "Big Bill" always pursued his numerous hobbies with great passion, tremendous attention to technical detail and a search for "only the best"! His warm smile and ever-present sense of humor were a gift to everyone he encountered.
He was a Past Master of Chamberlain Lodge #913 A.F. & A.M. in Kingsville and was active in the Masonic Fraternity for many years. He was also a member of Kendall Lodge #897 in Boerne, as well as being a member of Al Amin Shrine Temple in Corpus Christi, and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.
Bill Lemmons is survived by his two sons, Billy Lemmons and his wife Angie of Boerne and Charlie Lemmons and his wife Cindy of San Antonio; five granddaughters: Hayley Lemmons McQuaid, Kathryn Lemmons Renfro, Kelsey Lemmons, Leah Lemmons and Avery Lemmons; and his loving companion dog of 14 years, Prancer.
A private (family only) graveside service and Masonic Burial will take place at Chamberlain Cemetery in Kingsville, Texas at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 27.
A memorial service (friends and family) will follow at 12:00 noon, at the Turcotte Piper Funeral Mortuary Chapel in Kingsville. All are invited to gather immediately afterward for refreshments and fellowship at the Salazar Building, (200 East Richard Avenue) in Kingsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital or the Shriner's Children's Hospital.
Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.

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