William Biddison

William MacDonald Biddison, age 92, passed away of natural causes on June 22, 2017 in Houston, Texas. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on July 9, 1924 to James Hawes Biddison and Elsie Laura Fowler Biddison. Bill's childhood years were spent in many different places across the U.S., including Tulsa, OK, Longview, TX, Washington State, Monroe, LA, and Sedalia, MO. Upon graduation from Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia, MO, he entered the University of Texas in 1941. In 1943, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and was a 2nd Lieutenant Navigator on B-29s. He returned to the University of Texas upon discharge from the armed forces in 1946, and was a charter member of the UT chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. At UT, he met Lillian Marie Seale; they graduated in 1949 and were married in Port Lavaca, Texas. After marriage, they moved to Houston and Bill began a career in sales. In 1956, Bill was transferred to NYC with Jones & Laughlin Steel Co and the family settled in Darien, Connecticut for 8 years. In 1963, the family returned to Houston, where Bill continued his career with J&L, and later Lunkenheimer Valve Co, Williams Valve, and Ameron, selling specialty valve and pipe supplies to the oil and chemical industry. In 1981, he established BIDDCO Interests as a family company to continue his sales career and established James Special Interest Autos, an antique car restoration business. Bill had many interests and talents. In addition to his love for antique cars, he was a Texas Master Gardener; he enjoyed golf, bridge, and gourmet cooking. He was a skilled wood worker and refinisher, enjoyed boating and fishing, loved photography, and entered many photos in local contests, winning several awards. He was extremely proud of his Scottish and Presbyterian heritage and spent hours researching his family geneology, corresponding with cousins near and far, and making several trips to Scotland. Bill loved Blue Bell ice cream, corn on the cob, a good glass of wine, and most of all, his granddaughters, Emily and Lauren. Bill and Lillian joined 1st Presbyterian Church in Houston in the early 50's and Noroton Heights Presbyterian while in Connecticut. After returning to Houston in 1963, the family joined Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, where Bill and Lillian were active members for 28 years. Bill served multiple times as a ruling elder, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, devoted and long-time choir member, and in other volunteer positions. After retirement to Brenham, TX in 1991, they joined Brenham Presbyterian, where he was active in the choir, and on various church committees. He was also active in Brenham Bread Partners and was a Board member of Oak Rest Cemetery Association. Bill loved the small town life in Brenham, and treasured the many close friendships he established there. He is survived by his son, James McDonald Biddison, daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth Marie Biddison Patterson and James N. Patterson III, and granddaughters, Lauren Elizabeth Patterson and Emily Marie Patterson, all of Houston, Texas, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his son, William Douglas Biddison in 1968 and his wife Lillian Marie Seale Biddison in 1997. A memorial service in celebration of Bill's life will be held at Brenham Presbyterian Church on August 13, 2017 at 3 p.m., followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Oak Rest Cemetery Association, c/o Brenham Presbyterian Church, 900 S. Jackson Street, Brenham, TX 77833.