Billy Dodd Morton peacefully entered Eternal Life on November 29, 2024, at the age of 91.  He was born December 17, 1932, in Albertville Alabama to Carey Edward Morton and Mattie Sue (Causey) Morton.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 62 years, Nell Goss Morton and daughter, Stacy Schmeltekopf.

Bill spent his childhood years in Boaz, AL.  He and Nell started dating in high school with the encouragement from his mother that he ought to date "that Goss girl".  They were married in 1952, beginning a 62-year love story.  Bill went off to college at Auburn University for an Accounting degree.  As a part of the ROTC program, Bill served in the Army for two years after his graduation and was stationed in Baumholder, Germany.  He and Nell truly enjoyed their time in Germany, making many friends, traveling and shaping their lives for the future.  Upon returning to the US, Bill returned to Auburn to get a degree in Textile Engineering and worked for Pepperell Textiles in Lindale, GA.

Bill moved up the leadership ladder with what would become West Point Pepperell.  He brought his family to New Braunfels in 1976 to manage Mission Valley Mills, which had been purchased by West Point.  Bill quickly became active in church life and community as well as expanding the textile business.  He led a management buyout of Mission Valley Mills from West Point, saving several hundred jobs for New Braunfels and was CEO for several years.  After retiring 1998, he served as interim president of McKenna Hospital as well as serving on the board.  He was instrumental in the sale of McKenna and the establishment of McKenna Foundation from the proceeds of the sale.  The legacy of McKenna is alive and well today as it supports many charitable organizations in the community each year.


His civic involvement over the years included President of Comal County United Way, Chairman of the Board for the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, President of New Braunfels Manufacturer's Association and Vice President of the New Braunfels Infrastructure Improvement Corp.  He received several awards including the Unsung Hero award in 2002 and the Living Legend Award in 2022.

While certainly focused on career and community, Bill was a strong and loving husband and father to his family.  He was always supportive of Mark and Stacy in their endeavors as they developed and changed through the years. His home was a loving and caring place for  his children and all their friends as well.  We all cherish the memories of the condo on Padre Island.  It was our home away from home for many years with wonderful times as a family.  He loved brining us together on family trips and giving us all experiences we would never have on our own.  He showed us all what the true meaning of family really is.

Above all this, Bill considered his involvement in establishing Oakwood church as a mission of First Baptist Church as his most significant contribution.  Bill and Nell were charter members of Oakwood, and he served in many leadership roles over the past 40 years.  In addition to leading the Deacon body, teaching bible study classes and chairing several committees, he was also on the Pastor Search Committee that brought Pastor Ray Still to Oakwood in 1992.  They became close family friends from that time on.

After losing both their spouses, Bill became acquainted with Jan Kotylo.  God brought them together in a special, loving way resulting in marriage in 2015.  They spent their years together traveling, serving the church and truly enjoying an active and fulfilling life.  They were a blessing to each other and soulmates in all things.

Bill touched many lives for the better as he did his best to live a life focused on a deep faith in Christ and always seeking God's direction.  He will be remembered as a caring, generous, humble, God-loving man.  He is now in God's arms receiving His rewards for a life well lived.

He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Jan Kotylo Morton, his son Mark Morton and wife Sharon, granddaughter Maggie Hambrick and husband Micah, great grandsons Mason, Maverick and Macklin Hambrick, son in law James Schmeltekopf and wife Nadine, and sister-in-law Alice Faye (Goss) Martin.

A memorial service will be held on December 12, 2024, at 10:00 am at Oakwood Church in New Braunfels.

The family wishes to thank their neighbors, the "saints of Pebble Brook", as well as the loving and caring nurses of Hope Hospice.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to Oakwood Church designated towards the Bold Mission campaign or Hope Hospice.