William ‘Bill’ Felix Needham Jr.
William “Bill” Felix Needham Jr., 85, of Llano died Nov. 2, 2011, surrounded by family. He was born in Wharton on Jan. 9, 1926, to Felix and Ollie Needham.
He served in the Navy for two years during World War II at the Naval Hospital in Seattle. While attending the University of Texas, he met Virginia Ann McWhorter of Taylor. They were married Dec. 23, 1951.
After graduating from UT, he attended the University of Houston for a pharmacy degree. He started practicing as a registered pharmacist at the Needham-Schwenker Drugstore in Taylor.
In 1959, he moved to Llano to work at the Corner Drug Store. He partnered with Gordon Donop Jr. from 1964 to 1979, then became sole owner through his retirement in 1994. He and his wife ran the Corner Drug Store together, and it was a place where everyone was welcomed by his smiling face.
He also was the first consultant pharmacist at Care Inn and Hill Country Nursing Home and Llano Memorial Hospital.
He loved Llano and believed deeply in supporting his community. As an enthusiastic worker and leader, he served the Lions Club, Llano School Board, Llano Chamber of Commerce, Llano Republican primaries and was the Boy Scout Master for Troop 301. He was the first recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award and was inducted into the Llano Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
A cradle Episcopalian and active member of Grace Episcopal Church at all levels, he also served on Cursillo and Kairos ministry teams.
He radiated joy and kindness through his light-filled smile. He never met a stranger and made every person he encountered a friend. The world is a better place because of him.
In addition to his wife, survivors include daughters Nan and husband Stephen Kennedy of Atlanta, and Marnie and husband Steve Nelle of San Angelo; son Kearby Needham of Llano; grandchildren Will Nelle and wife Merrisa of Hallsville, Andrea Honea and husband Jon Honea of San Angelo, Stephan Nelle of Denton and Christopher, Matthew and Callie Kennedy; and six great-grandchildren.
A service is 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at Llano High School Auditorium, 2509 Texas 16 in Llano, with the Rev. Richard Elwood officiating and the Rev. Patrick Gahan preaching.
Memorial donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, Episcopal Relief & Development (http://er-d.org) or to a charity of choice.
Condolences may be sent to whhfuneral1@verizon.net or made at www.whhfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Homes, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300.