William Walter Hall, Jr., 79, joined the Church Triumphant on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 as the sun was setting, with his family by his side. Bill was born in Houston, Texas on January 31, 1938, to the late William and Margaret Hall. The eldest of three children, he was nurtured in his faith and confirmed as a fourth-generation member of First Presbyterian Church of Houston, where he was ordained a Deacon and later an Elder. Bill loved his First Church family, and served faithfully in many leadership capacities for this congregation and the larger church, as well as in the greater community. Bill served on the board of directors for the Brazos Presbyterian Homes, and was the past chairman of the board of directors and president of the board of representatives for CanCare, as well as both a lifetime director and committed CanCare volunteer.

A 1955 graduate of San Jacinto High School, he enrolled at Rice University and earned both a Bachelor of Arts in 1959 and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1962. In 1965 Bill met and married Janet Orts. Their deep friendship, faith, hope and love sustained them throughout their nearly 52 years of marriage, and especially through Bill’s three courageous battles with cancer over the past 16 years.

Bill and Janet were blessed with three children and five grandchildren, who remain the joy of their hearts and their most important vocation. Bill’s greatest gifts to his children were his unwavering trust in the Lord, his relentless hope in the face of adversity, and the manner in which he cherished their mother.

At the age of six, Bill knew he wanted to be an architect. In 1966, he founded a small architectural practice which grew into a firm not only noted for its excellence in architectural services but also voted one of the top places to work in Houston. Bill was a respected leader in the architectural community, having served as president of the Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, a director of the Texas Society of Architects, and as a founding member and vice president of the Houston Architecture Foundation. Bill was an encourager who enjoyed inspiring and guiding the next generation. He served as a professional mentor for the University of Houston’s College of Architecture and as an HISD business partner in education.  

Preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Matthew McMullen, Bill is survived by his beloved wife Janet, and their three children and families: Erin and Ron Johnson and children Brent and Shannon Johnson; Lynne Buckridge and daughter, Claire Buckridge; and John David Hall and Kim Williams and children, Taylor and Skylar Hall. He also is survived by both of his siblings and their families: Bruce and Carol Hall and children, Jennifer McCoy and John Hall; Judy and Ray McMullen, and children, Leah Kolarik and Mark McMullen, and numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Following a private interment on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Forest Park Lawndale, a Service of Witness to the Resurrection in Gratitude to God for the Life of Bill Hall will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Houston, 5300 Main Street, 77004 with the Rev. Dr. Bill Heston officiating. Bill and his family wish to thank the nurses, staff and administration of Houston Methodist West Hospital for their exceptional and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caring Ministries of First Presbyterian Church of Houston, or CanCare.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

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