William Edward “Bill” Pickering, 92, of Pampa, Texas joined Heaven’s great band Friday, May 6, 2022, after a lengthy battle with dementia while a resident of the VA Nursing Center in Amarillo. He was born on May 1, 1930, to Roby and Jake Pickering in Big Spring, Texas.
As a young man, Bill served in the United States Army as a military police officer, which struck an interest leading to his career in law enforcement. He dedicated his time to protecting the citizens of Plainview, along with other communities until moving to Dallas to work in the auto parts industry. Shortly after marrying his beloved wife, Lucille “Lou” in 1954, they began their family. Together they were definitely a dynamic duo, Lou for her social ways and Bill for his wonderful sense of humor. For instance, if you told Bill you were hungry, he would without a doubt respond with his famous, “Hello hungry, I’m Bill! It’s nice to meet you.” Food was often a source of fun, not to mention entertainment for the family, especially since Bill had a particular fondness for his wife’s open-faced chicken fried sandwiches, so much so, that he even wore one. He also had a profound love for sweets which he ever so kindly passed on to his daughter.
Due to being an animal lover from an early age, there was a constant variety of pets in Bill’s life. Some honorable mentions being a raw colt named Ranger that Bill trained, Shelby, a much-loved schnauzer and his English Bulldog, Bo. Each of them were wonderful companions that will never be forgotten. In the chaos of life’s trials, music was a constant for Bill, playing all over town with fellow musicians. As a young man, Bill could be found next to a radio every Saturday night listening to the Opry. At the age of ninety, his last voice recording is his own version of `Lonesome Whistle Blues’. Bill’s special love for classic country comes from influences such as Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny Horton. The beautiful strums of Bill’s classic Gibson guitar and singing can now be heard amongst the angels in Heaven’s great band.
William was preceded in death by his wife Lucille Pickering; his parents; siblings, Alice English and Charles Pickering.
The constant loving and gentle nature of William will be missed by all who knew him, but most especially by his daughter, Connie Ogle and husband Chris Lockridge of Pampa; son, Tommy Pickering and wife Darlyn of Booker; grandchildren, Dan Ogle and wife Christie of Pampa; Kylie Pickering of Amarillo; Braeden Pickering of Pampa, Kael Goelz of Blanchard, Oklahoma, special granddaughter, Jacey Hopkins and her mother, Rose Steel of McLean; three great-grandchildren that also add to his legacy, Mayce Ogle, Lilye Ogle, and Wakely Ogle and numerous extended nieces and nephews.
A private Celebration of Life Graveside service was held for Mr. Pickering with his loving family in attendance, officiated by Pastor Mike Watson of Dumas. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
Per the family’s request, they ask that if donations are preferred, please plant a tree in memory of their loved one.
To leave words of sympathy and love for the family, please visit William’s Book of Memories at www.winegeartfuneral.com.