Dates
Billy John Spraggins (Bill) died suddenly on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Bill was a profoundly happy person who laughed easily and found contentment wherever he looked. He never met a stranger and thrived on the energy he experienced with his friends and colleagues. Bill had many loves that contributed to his positive outlook.
One of his first loves was San Angelo. Although he was born in Brady, Texas, on February 27, 1939, his family moved to San Angelo during World War II. Bill always loved San Angelo, and he was proud of his civic involvement, especially through the Rotary Club, where he was a proud member for over fifty years. For many years, Bill and his wife owned Texas Putting Courses, a miniature golf course that Bill had once worked at as a teenager. In his later life, he was lucky to travel to exotic locales, but Bill was always happiest returning to the city that he had called home for most of his life.
Bill found his soulmate in San Angelo in Leigh Ann Gatlin. They were married in 1958, and they had two sons together. Those two sons—Bryan and Blake—could not have been more different, but Bill understood their particular needs and, in spite of a few bumps along the way, was extremely proud of the lives they created. Bryan and Blake both survive Bill, as does his granddaughter Katy and her husband Tanner. Bill also had deep love for his daughter-in-law Diane. Leigh Ann predeceased Bill in 2017, and Bill professed that he missed her every day. He found much solace in living with Bryan and Diane, and he loved his extended family of Tristi and Chuck.
Bill left San Angelo for a few years and discovered a new love in Texas Tech University. Bill earned a degree in petroleum engineering there. He worked as a janitor to pay for college, and Leigh Ann worked as a secretary. Bill also served in the Army Reserves and spent several months on active duty during the Berlin Wall crisis. Bill developed a passion for Texas Tech while he was there, and he was an extremely proud alumnus. He especially loved going to Tech football and baseball games.
Bill loved his various jobs and took great pride in his work. In fact, at his death, Bill continued to work for the Texas Railroad Commission. Bill spent many years working in the petroleum industry, first as an engineer in private industry and later for the state. Bill tried to retire once, but quickly realized that he missed the structure and challenge of going to work every day.
Bill also loved his church. A member of First Baptist Church since 1972, Bill was a deacon there and served on just about every committee he could. He reared his sons in the church, and it has remained a central focus of his life.
Bill had many close friends, many of whom he met through his church and through a 42 club that has met continuously for over forty years. After Leigh Ann’s death, Bill enjoyed spending time with his friend Kay Smith, whom he met through church. Bill was fun to be around and genuinely interested in others. While he could be slow to change his mind, he was always willing to listen and consider other points of view.
Bill had lots of other loves, too—the Jason Bourne movies (the ones with Matt Damon), classic VWs, the Indian Lodge at Fort Davis, the writing of Lewis Grizzard, passenger trains, most televised sports (he said he’d watch anything involving a ball), Dairy Queen blizzards, and banana pudding. He was a happy man with a busy life.
Bill’s death leaves a profound hole in his family’s heart. We are glad that he did not suffer, but we are stunned and grieved that he is no longer with us. We were incredibly lucky to have him as our father and friend. Memorial contributions in honor of Bill can be made through the San Angelo Area Foundation. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined.
A memorial service for Bill Spraggins will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Saturday, September 26, at 11 am.