Robert Wm. "Bill" Sullivan

07/05/1951 – 04/23/2024

In the early hours of Tuesday, April 23rd, Bill was finally freed from his debilitating and progressive health issues of the last several years. Bill was a proud native-born Houstonian, and it is fitting that he died there.

Bill graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in mechanical engineering. His 40-year professional career as a P.E. and P.M.P. had him traveling domestically and internationally in Energy and Energy-related industries.

Bill was a patriotic Marine; he enrolled underage with forged signatures. When found out, his service was terminated; yet he remained a proud Marine to his dying day. Semper Fi!

Bill was nicknamed "Chef Robert" by one of his relatives and he certainly lived up to the expectation.

He enjoyed browsing multiple recipes and then cooked his own original interpretation. His years spent participating in the Houston Original Gourmet Society (HOGS) led to some truly remarkable dishes, meals and friendships.

In 2003, Bill bought his first, and not last, Harley-Davidson. He joined the Cut-N-Shoot (CNS) Harley Owners Group and immediately became an active rider and volunteer. There were wonderful, fun and exciting motorcycle trips, both locally and long distance across the US with his loved CNS family.

In 2009 Bill formed the North Houston Project Management Toastmasters club and threw himself into the Toastmasters experience serving in multiple district-wide leadership roles culminating as the District-56 Director. He faced many challenges during his tenure from the Hurricane Harvey repercussions that impacted many clubs. He exemplified servant leadership.

For almost 35 years Bill and Gwen hosted the extended family and friends Christmas Eve party. There was always gumbo, games and a good time. There was only one time when a child was left behind. (by an uncle) Every succeeding year, Bill and Gwen announced, "no children left behind"!

Many of Bill's extended family predeceased him. Surviving him, his wife Gwen, aunts Nelda Falk and Sue Wood, nephews: Keith McKinley, Kyle McKinley, Will Haralson and James (Melody) Haralson, great niece Margo Haralson. He is also survived by Dennis and Dana McKinley, Phylis and Paul Haralson, and his mother-in-law Sara McKinley. Bill has numerous cousins that survive him but special to him are Belinda Gustin, Michael Wood and Natalie Wood. Bill also treasured his lifelong friends; Artie & Kathy Bacque.  Finally, surviving him is his Bassett hound Paddlefoot.

Gwen would like to thank Bill's nephrologist, Dr. Roy Redentor and the Champions Davita Dialysis Center, especially Hailey and Stan for their kind and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held on Saturday May 25th from 4-8 PM at the Klein Champions Funeral Home: 16131 Champion Forest Dr, Spring, TX 77379. In lieu of flowers, Bill has requested donations in his name to St. Jude Childrens Hospital (a memorial fund has been created) or a local animal rescue group of your choosing.

Bill, here's to you—a toast filled with gratitude, love, and the promise to carry forward the lessons you've taught us. May we live with the courage you showed, love with the depth you shared, and remember you with the fondness that you deserve.