Surrounded by family, William "Bill"  Parmley of Cypress, Texas went to be with our Lord on Monday, November 12, 2018.  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, November 18th at 2:00 pm with a visitation beginning at 1:00 pm at Klein Funeral Home CyFair located at 9719 Wortham Blvd. in Houston.

Bill, known to his family and friends as "Runt", was born in Mount Vernon, Texas on December 3, 1931 and grew up with his Mother, Minnie, and two brothers, Marvis "Dude" Parmley and James Arthur "Tuggy" Parmley in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Always an industrious person, he began working at the age of 9 throwing newspapers before school.  Runt played football and ran track, and was named Best All Around by his classmates at Nacogdoches High School.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Rheta Shepherd.  They were married in August of 1952.

After serving in the US Army, Bill and Rheta moved to Houston where he began his career in the electrical construction trade.  Later in 1967, he founded Parmley Electric Company.  Bill loved the electrical business.  He was highly respected in the industry and developed many life-long friendships among those with whom he worked.  Bill was known for his integrity and leadership.  He was an active member and past president of the National Electrical Contractors Association of Southeast Texas. He was a mason and supporter of the good works of the Shriners.  Bill was also a member and former board member of Cypress Crossings Christian Church in Cypress.

After retiring, Bill enjoyed restoring a neglected farm in Waller, raising cattle and doing a little farming.  He   always loved boating and playing golf and sharing those interests with his friends and family.  He and Rheta made many great memories traveling with dear friends in the Lone Star Sam's Camping Club.  His sense of humor and ability to make others laugh endeared him to all who knew him.  Bill's compassionate heart and generous spirit impacted the lives of many.  He had the unique ability to discern a need and he preferred to meet that need quietly and often, anonymously.

Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years Rheta Faye Shepherd Parmley; three children, Glenda, Craig and Sheri; three "adopted" sons, John May, Ted Walker and Ken Ogden; beloved grandchildren Ryan & Mandi May, Julianne May, Kathryn & David Kraan and Kyle Ogden as well as two great grandchildren, Brady and Wyatt May.  Bill will be dearly missed by all his loved ones.  In our eyes, we've lost a gentle giant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Cypress Crossings Christian Church or Operation Christmas Child (www.samaritanspurse.org).  This would honor Bill and the joy he found in bringing smiles to the faces of children in need.