William Royce Houston, 53, passed away on March 9, 2025. Born December 20, 1971, and raised in Wooster, Ohio, he graduated from Wooster High School before earning a Bachelor of Science from Kent State University.
A gifted writer and a true sports aficionado, William had an unmatched knowledge of the game and a talent for storytelling that captivated those who followed his commentary. Whether through his thought-provoking takes on current events or his humorous insights on sports, his words resonated with many, often sparking laughter, debate, and admiration. Beyond his writing, William had a deep love for dogs and a passion for Jeeps—symbols of the adventurous, free-spirited mind that defined him. He was a kind soul, a thinker, and a man whose presence could light up any conversation.
His father, Daniel Houston, and his brother, Eric Houston, preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Linda Houston; his niece, Delia Houston; and his nephews, Jackson and Copper Bernhardt.
William will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the words he shared, the passion he poured into his interests, and the kindness he showed to others.
There is to be no services. McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Mrs. Houston, I am so sorry to read this. Of course I remember Billy as a rambunctious kid running around the house and neighborhood. Words cannot express my sorrow for you. I do not know your pain. But know THIS community will wraps their arms around you and comfort you and your family. God blessed me by having you as my professor and getting to meet your family. I am truly blessed for it. God will bless you are you and give you smiles and laughs at all the good times we shared with Bill!
Linda,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bill!!! I have good memories of jumping BMX bikes off ramps Bill built at your house back in the 80’s as well as working one summer with Bill at ATI cutting grass. We both had a lot of fun working the grounds at ATI. I have great memories at your house spending time with
both Eric and Bill as well as you and Dan. It was like a second home back then and I thank you for your friendship. May God bless you during this time of bereavement. Rest in peace Bill.
A contagious laugh and lover of Hershey….. a man that was one in a million. Glad I had the pleasure to meet and get to know him over the years! Great friend.
I am so very sorry for your loss. If I can help in any way please call
Mrs. Houston,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill passing. I have many fond memories of Bill with a big grin on his face. Especially fun times from Layton Elementary, but he was a kind friend throughout all of the years that we went through school together. May God Bless you and may you find comfort and peace in the beautiful memories you have . Sincerely, Kelli (nee Gamertsfelder) Schaffran
My Dear Friend ,
I am so very sorry for your loss! It was a very nice obituary! If you need anything ?? Please let me know !!
Linda-You have my deepest condolences. I did not know William, but I know it will hurt losing a son, especially at only 53 years of age
Dear Linda,
I new Bill later in life and his obituary was spot on when it discussed storytelling, sports aficionado and in general a clever wit in our discussions. Laurie always thought Bill should write comedy but tech pays the bills. Laurie and I are both saddened by your loss and the community’s loss. Hugs from both of us!
Linda, Jennifer just called and told me about Bill. We are all shaken to our core. Bill had such a kind loving spirit and never met a stranger. Always there with a helping hand. Words can not express how sorry we are.
Mrs. Houston,
I am so sorry to hear this. Bill was the rambunctious little brother when Eric and I were hanging out. Life is precious and everyone should remember that each day.
Linda,
So sorry for your loss… sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Linda,
Kristy and I send our deepest condolences. We are very sorry for your loss and hope that you find comfort in the memories he left behind.
Oh Linda, we are so sorry to see this. Keeping you close to our hearts as you go through this loss.
Oh Linda,
We are so very sorry to hear this. Know that we are thinking of you and holding you in our prayers.
My heart breaks for you and for all of the people who cared for Bill. I loved the obituary and felt like I knew Bill as an adult by reading all of his stories. What a gift he had!!!
Mama Linda,
So sorry for the loss.
Have my sympathy and condolences as you go through these trying moments.
May God give you strength and keep you healthy.
May his soul Rest in Perfect Peace with the Lord.
Many Greetings from all friends in Ghana 🇬🇭 and we are all with you in spirit.
Linda,
Very sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort. ♥️
I am so sorry to hear this. Bill wrote for me a few years ago and I greatly enjoyed everything he did for us. He will be deeply missed.
So sad to hear of Bill’s passing! I got to experience Bill’s kindness and technical skills during my last two years prior to my retirement at ATI. He was very gracious and willing to assist me in putting my botany course online. His knowledge and technical skills allowed students from Northwest Technical College and those at ATI to better meet their academic needs.
May God’s strength be with you!
Bob
Linda,
I was so very sorry to hear this news. I hope that memories can bring peace and comfort to you, and if there’s anything I can do to be helpful, please let me know.
Linda,
My heart breaks for you and can’t hardly find words to describe what you must be feeling. He will now be with Eric whom I graduated with and I hope that in some way can bring you peace. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss and you will be in my prayers.
Linda,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. Sending prayers and positive thoughts to help you through this difficult time.
Linda, I’m so sorry for your loss. So sad to lose a son so young. You’re in my prayers.
Linda:
I give you my sincere sympathy as you walk through this part of life. I pray that you will somehow understand God’s plan as you mourn your son’s passing.
Linda. I was deeply saddened to hear of Bill‘s passing. I worked with him for only a few years at ATI, but his kind soul was immediately evident and I will always remember this about him. He was such a talented writer. I would read and reread things he wrote: he was truly gifted. I know he will be dearly missed. I am so sorry for your loss, Linda.
Bill stayed with me the final 7 days of his life. He was ready to break free from the negative influences of his life. His anatomical heart and kidneys were no longer able to support life. His last moments were watching a calming lake and knowing we had a week of joy and laughter together. The end, for him, was sudden, but we enjoyed watching Cavs and Guardian games during those final days. He was at peace and ready to take on his own agency. I only have hindsight to rely on and his final 7 days were filled with love, laughter, and the hope of a new life with new positive influences. His soul was willing. His body couldn’t go on any longer. He was a gifted writer and, after losing his job recently, he was ready to take time to write. He told me he wanted to “give up anger and fear for lent”. And so he did. God speed my dear friend. God speed.
Linda – Scott and I send our condolences and will be thinking of you. We hope to connect when we are back in town. Take care.
Dear Linda,
We were sorry to read of your son’s passing. We did not personally know him but he sounds like a very interesting person I would have liked to know.
Linda, I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how hard this is on you and the family. Sending prayers to you all of you.
Linda. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved son. Words fail. Sending hugs.
Linda,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. May Bill rest in peace and your heart will be at ease. Please let me know if I can help. Hugs
Linda, Sending my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time with Bill’s passing. May your memories of happiness help to bring your soul peace and comfort.
Linda,
Sending my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time with Bill’s passing. May your memories of happiness help to bring your soul peace and comfort.
Linda,
My heart breaks for you. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Oh Linda,
I was so sorry to hear of the latest loss you have experienced! I am in Hershey visiting my daughter, and just read Bill’s obituary. I thought of it as an amazing tribute to an amazing man with amazing parents. Be at peace as he is.
Fondly,
Betty Lou