Bill was born on November 28, 1943 in Henderson, Texas to William Thomas Whittington and Carrie Keidel Whittington. He lived in San Augustine until he was two, and then, being the son of a military father, lived in numerous states and even abroad.

Bill graduated from San Augustine High School in 1962, and attended Stephen F. Austin State University. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hemphill.

Bill spent the majority of his career in the forestry industry. He moved to Sabine County from Louisiana in 1967 when he went to work for Temple Lumber Company. Bill remained at Temple for 38 years until his retirement in 2005. In those years, He was always active in Pineland Day activities, helping raise money for the community. He also volunteered with the Pineland Little League, Pineland Service Club, Operation Trash Off, and other community service efforts. In addition, he served on the Pineland City Council, and was a founding member of the Hemphill Education Foundation.

Bill was a staunch proponent of education and an avid reader. For many years, he and Jean Ann purchased books and donated them to the elementary and middle school students at Hemphill ISD. He wanted each child to have a book of their own in hopes they would understand the doors that reading and education could open.

After retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling with his beloved Jean Ann and could tell you the best restaurant in every town they went to. His all time favorite was Jenny's Fried Chicken in Kirbyville! Bill was a colorful character who lived life to the fullest. He was proud to be from Texas and loved his country. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jean Ann Whittington; sons, Tommy Whittington and wife, Sunny, of Hemphill; Tim Whittington of Cassville, Missouri; Greg Hawkins and wife, Betsy, of Pollick Pines, California; daughter, Deborah Whittington of Cassville, Missouri; grandchildren, Mallory Potts and husband Chace, Rory Whittington, Justin Whittington, Montana Whittington, Christina Whittington, and Matthew Whittington, Addison Scott and wife, Savannah, and Nolan Scott and wife, Janine; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, James Pearl and wife, Kay, of San Antonio, Texas; and Ben Whittington and wife, Cheryl, of Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carrie Keidel Whittington; his father, Thomas Whittington; his step-mother, Maxine Whittington; and his grandson, Christopher Whittington.

Services will be held at Starr Funeral Home, Sunday, February 21, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. with Alberto Williams and Karen Jones officiating. A short visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., prior to the service.

Burial will be at Cedar Yard Cemetery in Center, Texas under the direction of Starr Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers are Bob Neal, Roy Smith, Jerry McEachern, Dan Fussell, Jerry Scates, Ricky Todd, Joe Pridgen, Kyle Butler, and Randy Fuller.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First United Methodist Church of Hemphill, or the Hemphill Education Foundation at HISD.

Condolences can be made and guest book may be signed online at starrfuneralhome.com.