William L. Hanley, Jr.
William L. Hanley, Jr., 78, of Beaumont, passed peacefully on August 8, 2025, in the presence of his loving family. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on January 9, 1947, Bill lived a full and remarkable life defined by hard work, deep love for his family, and a wide range of talents and passions.
Known as “Wild Bill” in his youth, “Sweet William” in his later years, and “Dollar Bill” on the golf course, he was a man of many interests and even more stories. Bill was a gifted athlete and competitor—he played baseball, bowled, shot pool, and golfed with skill and enthusiasm. He coached and mentored others with patience and pride, and he excelled in everything from roller hockey and roller skating to dancing and karaoke.
Bill was also a craftsman and entrepreneur. Over the years, he ran several businesses, including door and window construction, commercial and industrial contracting, and an auction house. He was a carpenter, welder, and even a certified commercial scuba diver. He learned to fly a plane and was an avid RV traveler, always ready for the next adventure.
He had a lifelong love for Corvettes, Harleys, and classic cars, and was an active member of the Tri City Corvette Club. In his later years, he found joy in community life at Collier Park and Calder Woods, where he served as President of the Resident Council at both locations, helped host karaoke nights, and initiated the return of monthly gospel sing-alongs.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth Hanley, and his children, Debra Appel (husband - Todd Appel), Christy Dobranski, Terry S. Ward (wife - Wendy Ward), and Tamela Ward. He was a proud grandfather to Jordan Dobranski (wife - Allie Dobranski), Berkley Huff (husband - Tyler Huff), Ava Appel, Maxwell Ward, Piper Ward, Adam Stinnett (wife - Aarynn Stinnett), Michael Stinnett, and Teia Stinnett.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William L. Hanley, Sr. (Dub) and Lily Etta Brown Hanley and left behind a beautiful sister, Bette Ann Davidson (husband – Jerry). He also had many nieces and nephews, a multitude of cousins, a beloved extended family, and countless dear friends—many of whom he considered family.
He will be remembered for his stature and presence, his sense of humor, his incredible work ethic, his golf handicap (or lack thereof) and the way he made everyone feel welcome and valued. Bill’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life service from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Pathway Church, 2326 Nederland Avenue, Port Neches.
A private graveside service was held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Buckner Children and Family Services, 6358 Phelan Boulevard, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123.
Celebration of Life
Pathway Church
- 2326, Nederland Avenue, Port Neches, Texas, 77651,
- August 30, 2025
- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Liz and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I will be forever thankful for running in to y’all at the doctor’s office a few months ago. So glad Bill spoke up, or we would have missed out.
I will always remember Bill’s larger than life personality in the office all those years ago. Him and Aunt Peggy sparring back and forth…oh, how he loved to eat those chocolate pies! I drew his name one year for Christmas and I knew just what to “get” him….I made him a homemade chocolate pie! He either loved them or just made over them to make me feel good about my blossoming cooking skills. Seems like the one I made him for his “present” was a big flop and I had to make him another one!
Again, I am so sorry about your loss. He will be missed.
Sincerely, His Constructors and Fabricators family from years ago
Bill Hanley, a true Friend. Bill Childers , my son.
We will miss him so much.
Rest in Peace. ❤️.
I don’t know if it is appropriate for me to post here but I want what I have to say in the record . I have loved Bill since he was 21 years old. I knew him as Billy, Wild Bill, Sweet William, Bill, and sometimes more colorful names but he was always loving and cared for me and provided well for our family. We had hard times, good times, sad times and we disagreed on things, but we still loved each other and helped each other come out on the other side. I will miss him for the rest of my days. He was such a large presence in my life and the lives of his children and grandchildren, that void he leaves can never be filled. “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince. And flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Liz I am very sorry to hear about bill we had many wonderful times together in Colorado he loved to golf and clay bingo and was a great friend and did help many people sorry for your loss
Yes, we did have some great times and I have so many wonderful memories of Colorado, especially a certain birthday cake. Thank you for reaching out to me.
We will miss seeing you Bill, and hanging out with y’all at our many Corvette events. You were so kind and were one of the first to welcome us into your circle when we first arrived here from Colorado. You always made us feel like we were your best friend and always had a hug and a warm welcome every time we saw you. You leave a big space to fill and you will be greatly missed.
Thank you for those words. He thought a great deal of you and Dave. I hope to see you soon.
I have nothing but found memories that always put a smile on my face and bring laughter. Aunt Liz, what joy I have remembering the younger years. You and Uncle Billy will always have a special place in my heart. With much LOVE!!!
I love you dearly and I know he did too. Let’s try to get together soon. Life is so short.
I can’t believe the news about Bill’s passing. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. Liz, we are praying for you and your family over his loss. May God be near you and comfort you as you mourn your husband’s passing. We all will miss him. Rest in peace Bill💔🙏🏻.
Thank you so much. Prayers are needed and welcomed.
A ‘heart of gold and the competitiveness of a lion’ pretty much sums up Bill…..since the age of 10, we have shared a love of baseball on opposing teams…Bill was an outstanding pitcher, who most often sent me walking back to the dugout and not sprinting to 2d base. I was blessed to reconnect with Bill after 61 years as we both had part time jobs at Bayou Din Golf Course. We shared the past and planned the next tee time….Bill was a special guy, he will be missed,….
Thank you giving us a glimpse into his young years. He had a big heart and he did love competing. I know we will miss him so much.
Johnny Page says that Bill Hanley had a big heart, a good heart,and a beautiful spirit. I can’t give a better compliment. Bill helped people . He helped me and I saw first hand how he tried to help his neighbors at both retirement homes. Liz too Y’all are good people.
Thank you so much JP.
Bill was always a bright spot. He will be missed. Liz, you may rest now. He is no longer suffering.
Thank you so much, Alice.
Liz,
We are so sorry to hear the news of Bill. Wishing you and the family comfort. We always enjoyed seeing you two at the corvette meetings and outings.
Thank you and i miss you two.
One of the finest human beings I ever knew, My friend, my golf partner, I will miss him more than words can describe. A Man’s Man through & through. One of a kind we only meet once in a lifetime. I’ll miss you Wild Bill, all our talks, & all the good advice you gave me. I won’t forget—ever. God Bless & God Speed, always. You always had my back 24/7.
Thank you.
Liz,
Thinking of you during this difficult time.May memories comfort you.
Judy
I do have years of beautiful memories. Thank you, Judy.
I’m truly sorry for your loss, Mr.Hanley was always so loving and supportive and always gave me the truth when I needed advice for anything. He will be very missed so much!!!
Sending prayers of healing and love <3
Thank you. He cared about you.
Oh how heavy my heart is today 💔 He believed in me more than I ever believed in myself. I am where I am today because he fought for me. I thought of him as a dad and I will forever cherish his memory. Ms. Liz I LOVE you and you are in my prayers! RIP my sweet Mr. President!
You are the best and he wanted you to fulfill your potential. He was proud of you.
Mustang guy kand Bill loved his Corvettes. Will miss you Bill!!!!
Don, thank you.
Bill was such a lovely, sweet man. Always ready to lend a helping hand. Sending prayers of comfort and sweet memories for the family.
Thank you so much, Mary.
Liz and family
Words can’t explain how extremely sorry I am in the loss of your Husband, Dad, Grandad and Brother. Bill was a great man and a friend to everyone he met. He was always willing to help anyone that needed help. As a friend I will surely miss him.
Love and Blessings to each of you,
Bettie
Love you my sweet friend and Bill did too.
I LOVED THIS BILL HANLEY…..MAY U REST IN PEACE.
🌹
I loved him too and he loved us both.