William "Bill" Cree

William "Bill" Cree, of Abilene, passed away at his home on Sunday, September 4th, 2011. He was 82. A reception will be held on Saturday, September 10th, from 2:00-3:00pm at Piersall Funeral Home, 733 Butternut St. with a time of remembrance to follow from 3:00-4:00pm.

William Richard Cree was born December 14, 1928 in Amarillo, Texas to George and Mary Opal Cree. He was raised in Pampa, Texas and attended High School at Culver Military Academy in Indiana. After receiving his geology degree at the University of Texas, Bill moved to Abilene to begin his long and successful career in the oil business. Shortly after his arrival to Abilene he was set up on a blind date with Amber Logan and on June 28th, 1952 they were married. Amber and Bill were true partners in everything.

Bill lived a BIG life. His generosity, unflappable optimism and crisp sense of humor were part of a large personality connecting him with a wide and diverse circle of friends. He had great passion for global travel, aviation and the oil field and he pursued these interest with a strong intellect, youthful energy and curiosity. Bill's success in the oil business provided Amber and him the opportunity to make a real difference in the community of Abilene, their home for the last 60 years.

Surviving Bill are his wife Amber Cree, nephews; Richard Cree and wife Anne of Dallas, Hal Cree and wife Sue of Pampa, George Cree and wife Nina of Amarillo, and Raymond Reid and wife Paula of Amarillo, nieces; Shelly Reid and Diane Reid both of Tucson, AZ as well as many extended family members and close friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George Cree Jr. and sister Bettye Reid.

The family expresses it's sincere gratitude and appreciation to Bill's companion and care giver Ben Hines.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Grover Nelson Park Zoological Foundation, 1450 Tanglewood Rd, Abilene TX. 79605, The Hendrick Home for Children, 2758 Jeanette St, Abilene TX. 79606 or Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford St. Abilene, Tx.79605. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.