Willis “Bill” Cregar

Willis Randolph Cregar, 90 of Big Spring, Texas passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025.  A visitation will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory.  Services will be at 2 p.m., March 13^th at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.   Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.

Willis Randolph Cregar (Bill) was born on November 7, 1934 in Crockett, Virginia to Jack and Elma Cregar.  They moved when Bill was 6 years old to Mount Vernon, Ohio for a few years until Bill was 10 before settling in Tucumcari, New Mexico in 1944.  Bill completed his Elementary, Junior High, and High School education in the Tucumcari schools.   He worked for a couple of years in the family plumbing business before attending Eastern New Mexico University.   Shortly after starting his bachelor’s degree at ENMU he met the love of his life Sharon McRee in class.  The two were wed in the summer following that school year on August 18, 1957.   They continued school with Sharon taking a teaching job in Tatum, New Mexico while Bill completed his degree and started his Master’s Degree.   Bill took a 5^th grade teacher’s position in Roswell, New Mexico as Sharon stayed home to welcome their first child Annette.  They continued by welcoming Randy and Karla in the following years.   Bill taught 5 school years in Roswell before accepting an offer to become principal of Forsan Elementary School.  Shortly after moving to Forsan, the Forsan Elementary school was relocated to Elbow and the family moved across the street from the school.   Bill was a beloved Elementary Principal for 25 years for Forsan ISD before retiring in 1990.   He was Region 18’s Principal of the year in his final year as principal.  He loved people and it showed as he also coached little league, girls softball, high school girls golf, and was an assistant scout master as well as scout master.  While living in Roswell he took his little league team to a second place finish in the state’s little league championships.

Bill was very committed to his community service, but even more committed to serving out his faith as a believer in Jesus Christ.  He was involved in Forsan Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher and director, choir member, Deacon, serving as chairman of the Deacon body for many years.   He was always willing to help and share the good news with anyone that was receptive.  Bill felt a special call to serve with his plumbing, heating, and air conditioning skills from his youth in assisting many widows in the area (many who were retired school teachers).

Bill was also an avid outdoorsman, loved camping, hunting, and fishing and would do so as often as possible.  He found the time in nature relaxing and rejuvenating.  He loved his family dearly and was a strong supporter and cheerleader of all their interests and activities. He will certainly be missed.

Bill is survived by his wife of 67 ½ years Sharon McRee Cregar, three children, daughter Annette Denton and husband Bruce, son Randy Cregar and wife Cindy, and daughter Karla Cregar.  Three grandchildren Aaron Cregar and wife Julia, Megan Thomas, and Kelsey Cregar Anthony and husband Derek.  Four great grandchildren and one on the way.  Jamie Cregar, Addie Cregar, Ellie Cregar, and Elise Anthony.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Elma Cregar, his in-laws WT (Bill) and Janette McRee, and cousin Mary Lou Ascher and her husband Ron.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Willis "Bill" Cregar, please visit our Tribute Store.