Harry Lee “Bill” Wiltz

Harry Lee “Bill” Wiltz went home to the Lord on May 10, 2024. He passed at home while holding hands with his loved ones. Bill was born on June 7, 1926, in Port Arthur, Texas to parents Bellizaire and Theresa Lee Wiltz.

Bill was a hard worker that loved life, his family, and his God.

During his senior year at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Bill was drafted into the Navy during WWII. He served on a carrier in the Philippines. During this time, he took Red Cross donated sweaters that the servicemen did not want and made pillow covers with the word “mom” or “sis on them. He would sell them to the men for them to send home. With this extra money and his pay, he would keep $25 for himself and sent the rest home to his mother. He often said that his time in the Navy was the best and he probably would have stayed if not for wanting to come home and care for his mother.

On June 7, 1957, Bill married Johnnie Marie Ward. They moved to Nederland in 1958. Later, they would have two children.

Bill had many careers during his life. He worked at Texaco and Arco Polymers. With his brother, Ed, owned Park Place Food Mart. He became a sales rep for Grocery Supply and later owned several Wiltz 7-11 stores in Port Arthur. In later years, with his family, he developed the residential area Pirates Cove in Nederland.

Early in their marriage, Bill and Johnnie were members of the Port Arthur Boat Club where they participated in boat racing and ski competitions. Hunting and fishing were a favorite pastime with his son and buddies Clyde Breda, Perry Staton, and Jimmie Ward. Bill also enjoyed playing cards with friends. He helped many friends and relatives with his carpentry skills. Bill took a lot of pride and joy in watching his grandchildren play sports.

As a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Nederland, Bill served as a deacon and a greeter. He lifted his voice in song with the Silver Tones Adult Choir. He loved his church and the friendships developed over the years.

As a 32nd degree Mason, Bill participated with the Nederland Masonic Lodge.

Bill is survived by his wife, Johnnie Marie Wiltz, of Nederland; son, Harry Lee Wiltz, Jr. and wife, Dana, of Nederland; and daughter, Karen Kay Wiltz and partner, Kathy Pennington, of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren, Nick Wiltz and wife, Devyn, Sierra Wiltz, and Ava Wiltz; also many nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lawrence, George, Joseph and Edward; sisters, Irene, Hazel, Nella, Anna Bell, Ruth, and LouWanna.

A gathering of Mr. Wiltz’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, 1911 Nederland Avenue, Nederland, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial in Bill’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street Suite M, Beaumont, Texas, 77701 or First Baptist Church, 1911 Nederland Avenue, Nederland, Texas 77627.

The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice and all his care givers for their loving care of Bill. A very special thank you to dear friends, Paul and Pam Lewis, for the time, care, companionship and love they gave to Bill.