Walter Clinton “Bill” Kersey, Jr. || Obituary

On Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, Walter Clinton “Bill” Kersey, Jr.-husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend, ceased to struggle.  He quietly left this earthly life and was completely healed. No more struggles, no more loneliness!

Bill was born on March 29, 1939, in Decatur, Texas, and was raised in Bridgeport. He met the love of his life, Shirley Nadine Reynolds in September 1957 and they were married on June 6, 1958. During the next 64 years, Bill and Shirley moved around the state of Texas and traveled throughout the United States. Throughout their beautiful love affair, they welcomed three sons: Bill, Glen, and Russell), seven grandchildren: Paul Kersey (Bill’s son, deceased); Philip, Hunter, and Hannah Kersey (Russell’s kids); Bryan, Callie, and Grant Kersey (Glen’s kids); and one great-grandson: Andy Christoper Kersey (Bryan and his wife, Courtney’s son). They were also thankful that two amazing women agreed to marry their sons Glen and Russell. Dawn Dulaney married Glen on June 6, 1987, and Becky Grisak married Russell on July 14, 2023.

Bill served in the Air Force Reserves 1957-1961. He went to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 1958 hoping to become a State Trooper, but he was too young at the time. He went to work for Cities Service Oil Company for 9 years. He was accepted into the DPS academy and became a DPS Trooper in 1967. He served all over Texas and retired as a Captain in Garland, Texas in 1997. During his retirement, Bill worked as the Safety Director of Mission Petroleum Carriers (1997-2002), and he and Shirley then spent the next 11 years serving in the Rangers’ Offices in Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Big Bend National Park.

He was a wonderful role model. Dad taught us so much about how to be a man, husband, and Christian. He was kind, loving, and full of wisdom. We learned how to work hard, build things, fix things, pray, not complain, and be generous! He made his house a paradise for the grandchildren. He loved traveling in his RV and spending summers working in the National Parks. He enjoyed cars and trains of all kinds. He never met a stranger. All who knew him will miss his smile, his boisterous laugh, and his gentle demeanor.

He is survived by sons Glen Allen Kersey and wife, Dawn of Valley View, and Russell Dean Kersey (and his wife, Becky) of DeKalb; grandchildren Philip, Hunter, Hannah, Bryan (and wife, Courtney), Callie, and Grant Kersey; great-grandson, Andy Kersey; and his sister, Janis Kaker of Bridgeport.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his son, Bill Kersey, his grandson, Paul Kersey, and his brother, Jim Kersey.

Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at the Thomas Cemetery, Bridgeport, Texas.

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