Bill James Sluder

A memorial service for Bill James Sluder, 86, of Gainesville, is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at the Hillcrest Church of Christ with David Gray officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Mr. Sluder passed away January 13, 2016 in Denton.

Bill was born May 2, 1929 in Gainesville to J.C. and Sibbie (Smith) Sluder and was a life-long resident of Gainesville. He graduated in 1946 from Gainesville High School where he excelled in football and track. He received a football scholarship to Texas A&M. At that time, athletes were not allowed to be married, so he returned to Gainesville and married his High School sweetheart, Betty Jean Stice on August 14, 1948. They enjoyed 67 years together.

In the early 1950’s, Bill became a partner with his dad as a building contractor and enrolled at North Texas Teacher’s College, now UNT, where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts and Athletic Training. He was hired in 1964 by GISD to teach Industrial Arts and coach football and track at Gainesville Jr. High, where he retired after 30 years.

Bill was a charter member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ where he served as treasurer, deacon, elder, and high school Sunday School teacher for many years. He was the last surviving member of the Hillcrest Building Committee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Randy.

Survivors include: wife Betty Sluder of Gainesville; daughter Tracy Stark of Gainesville; granddaughter Carly McKamie and husband Kyle; granddaughter Hayley Loftice and husband Sean; great-granddaughter Hollin Jean Loftice; and several cousins and friends.