William Willeford, III

William “Bill” Willeford was born on December 12, 1949, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to William Jr. and Edith (Nelsen) Willeford. He passed away on September 21, 2026, surrounded by family in the home he lovingly built.
William lived a life defined by service, leadership, faith, and devotion to his family and community. An Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, he carried the values of Scouting throughout his life. For many years, he mentored young people as a Scoutmaster and troop leader, guiding future generations with patience, wisdom, and encouragement.
A respected engineer, William earned a degree in mining engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and became a registered professional engineer in both Texas and Colorado. He liked to say that he spent the first 20 years of his career “building roads underground” while working in Colorado’s underground mining industry. He then spent 18 years “building roads above ground” with the Texas Department of Transportation. William also brought his engineering expertise to the Texas Ramp Project, where his dedicated service helped build more than 200 wheelchair-access ramps in his local community.
William’s interests extended well beyond his professional accomplishments. He inherited a love of aviation from his parents, both of whom were pilots, and remained an active member of the Colorado Pilots Association for many years. He took great pride in building the family’s log cabin in the piney woods of Ponta and, with his wife and children, establishing a ranch where they raised Beefmaster and Brangus cattle. William also adopted several burros through the federal Wild Horse and Burro Program. For years, while the children were in high school, he answered the phone with his trademark humor: “Willeford Donkey Farm—which ass would you like to speak to?” 
William was deeply involved in his community and was always ready to help a neighbor or member of his extended family at a moment’s notice. Faith was a cornerstone of his life. A devoted member of the Methodist Church, he and his wife participated in mission work and outreach efforts throughout New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. He served as a mission leader, was active in Methodist Men, and supported the St. Stephens Food Pantry at First Methodist Church. Through his faith and service, William touched many lives and embodied a spirit of generosity and compassion.
William was preceded in death by his parents, William Jerry Willeford Jr. and Edith Christine (Nelsen) Willeford, and his first wife, Ilene (Gurski) Willeford.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 38 years, Elizabeth Ann (Bobbitt) Willeford of Ponta; his children, Matthew J. Willeford of Ponta, Kate B. Willeford of Colorado, and Austin Willems and wife Jessica of Ponta; his sisters, Susan Easton and Julie Tuttle and husband Mike, all of Nebraska; and his beloved grandchildren, Makala and Brody Willems of Ponta.