William "Bill" Brabits Jr.

William “Bill” Brabits Jr., 91, of Longview, Texas, peacefully passed away on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026, surrounded by his sons Wade and Wess Brabits and others who loved him. He is now at rest in the arms of Jesus and reunited with the loved ones who went before him.

Bill was born on July 22, 1935, in Oklahoma City to Lucille and William Brabits Sr. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in petroleum engineering and married Sylvia in 1960. His career in the oil industry took him to New Orleans, California, Kansas, Cypress, Texas and finally Longview.

Bill lived a full life, filled with family, friendships and wonderful memories. He was the proud father of three sons, grandfather to three grandchildren and great-grandfather to two precious great-grandchildren. Some of his happiest moments were spent camping, fishing and enjoying the outdoors.

One of Bill’s most wonderful qualities was his ability to make friends wherever he went. He truly never met a stranger. Whether you had known him five minutes or fifty years, he made you feel like an old friend. He treasured the friendships he made throughout his lifetime and made a special effort to stay connected with those he cared about.

Bill is survived by his sons, Wade Brabits and Wess Brabits and wife Sharee; grandchildren Katy, Chase and Taylor; great-grandchildren Wyatt and Elowyn; and many other family and friends, including Kim Brabits, Kelly Curtis and Jordan Connell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and William Brabits Sr.; his wife of more than 60 years, Sylvia, in 2021; his stepson, Hurst “Rock” Bousegard; his brother, Jack; and his niece, Bambi Lynn Collette.

Bill will be laid to rest next to his brother, mother and father in Oklahoma City. No services are planned at this time.

A person’s legacy isn’t measured by what they leave behind but by the lives they touch, the memories they create and the love they share along the way.