Willie Ferrell

1944 –2024

Known for his love of others and a heart of gold, Willie was strong not only in character but also spiritually.  He stood up for his convictions, and believed in "doing what's right, over being right". Willie Raymond Ferrell, 80, of Spring Branch, Texas, died in San Antonio, Texas on March 6, 2024.

He was born in San Saba, Texas in 1944 to Joe and Mamie Ferrell. He inherited his love of wood working from his father, while his mother instilled a deep respect for women and parenting into all seven children. They all loved her deeply. Willie also developed a compassion for animals from his mother, as recognized by his first (and only) pet cat, named "Kitty Bill". As a 5 year old, he loved his kitten so much that he refused to feed it for several days, in hopes of keeping it "small and cute forever". When he wasn't around pets in the house, he spent time shooting his BB gun with his brothers. He attended San Saba High School before entering the workforce at Western Electric Company as an installer, where he served as part of the organization for 38 years. A little known fact about Willie is that he moved to Harlingen, Texas in 1978, serving as the point person for Western Electric, who brought call waiting and call forwarding to homes everywhere in the United States.

Willie met the love of his life, Pauline in the spring semester of 8th grade in 1959 while at a church function. He was sitting two pews in front of his future wife, when a june bug flew in through the open window, and knocked it down with his hand, not realizing he redirected the trajectory of the june bug right into the future Mrs. Ferrell.  To say the "love bug" hit, is an understatement.  Married on December 21, 1963 they maintained their marriage and covenant with God, as the center of their love for 60 years.

Willie not only leaves behind his wife, Pauline, but also their three children: Joel Raymond Ferrell, his wife, and six children; Wynona Evan Ferrell and her two children; and Jenny Rebekah Ferrell, who has the cutest German Shorthair Pointer on the earth today.

Known as Grandpa to eight grandkids and five great grandkids, he freely gave of his love, laughter, and time to all who surrounded him. He was a role model for how to love Jesus and how to love others, well.

Growing up, Willie had friends who also shaped his zest for life and helped him develop into a man of integrity and character. Jerry Christian, his best friend in high school, had similar convictions around serving others and serving God. This friendship lasted 59 years until Willie's passing.

Willie will always be remembered for his patience on the golf course, his quiet nature that spoke volumes, and the love he showed through acts of service. We'll also imagine hearing him say "We'll just deal with it" one more time, knowing that with God all things are truly possible and fear has no future in our lives. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, sibling, and uncle, and will miss Willie every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

The Memorial Service for Willie Ferrell will be held at First Baptist Church of Blanco, Texas on Friday, March 15th, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.