Bill Read

Bill E. Read passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 1, 2009 in Big Spring Texas after a short illness. Bill was born September 14, 1926 in Hamby Texas. After attending Hamby schools, he graduated from Abilene High School in 1944, where he was a member of the Eagle's marching band. Bill attended and graduated from Draughon's Business College before beginning a long career in banking. Bill began his banking career at First National Bank in Abilene and later with First State Bank of Abilene. He married Marshallene Ray on August 31, 1947 and had two children; William Edward (Eddie) Read of Corpus Christi, Texas and Mischa Michelle Read Harris of Parker, Texas. In 1955, the family moved to Moran, Texas where Bill served as vice president and ultimately president of the Moran National Bank. In April, 1961, the family moved to Coahoma where he chartered a new bank. In July 1961, Coahoma State Bank opened with Bill Read as President and Chairman of the Board. Bill ultimately retired from the bank in 1992. After his retirement from the bank, Bill embarked on a second career in community service, serving as Mayor of Coahoma for 16 years. During this time, he was able to obtain federal and state funds that improved the infrastructure of the city including a new water tower. Additionally, he acquired funds for a community housing development replacing 19 older homes. He was also proud of the fact he initiated efforts to improve the appearance of the community with city park improvements and fencing around the city cemetery. In recognition of his efforts, he and Darlene were named Citizens of the Year in July, 2009.Among his other civic contributions, he was a long time Lion's Club member and officer; President of the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce; School Board member of the Coahoma ISD; board member of Christian Homes of Abilene and numerous other boards and committees. He was an active member and organizer of Rural Community College Incentives (RCCI). He served on the Coahoma City Council before becoming Mayor.Bill served as an elder and leader of the Coahoma Church of Christ for a number of years.Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Oscar and Jessie Pearl Read; his wife of 35 years, Marshallene; his brothers, W.O. Read and Pope Read; and his sisters, Nellie Lee Miller and Mae Richards. Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Darlene Wright Read; one sister, Emma Jean Higginbotham of Pasadena, Texas; his son, Eddie and wife, K-Linn; his daughter, Mischa Read Harris and husband, Don; his stepdaughter, Lori Wright of Seattle, Washington; his five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren including Doug Read (wife Jenny) and three children of San Antonio, Niccole Campbell (husband Brent) and their three children of San Antonio, Joshua Harris of Austin, Texas, Luke Harris (wife Sarah) of Burleson, Texas and Brittany Harris of Ft. Worth. The family will receive visitors Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 pm at Nalley Pickle Welch Funeral Home of Big Spring. The funeral will be at 10 am Wednesday at the 14th and Main Church of Christ, also in Big Spring. A graveside service will be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 pm at the Round Mound Cemetery near Hamby Texas (just outside Abilene). Memorials can be made to Christian Homes of Abilene, 1202 Estates Drive, Abilene, Texas 79602-4288 or Lion's Club International, 300 West 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,