Obituary
Guest Book
1936
2010
William Marshall Arrington, 74, died on Tuesday the 2nd of November 2010 at home with his family present. Bill was born on the 30th of June 1936 in Louisville, Kentucky, and his parents were the late Margaret Rothenberger Arrington and the late James Jewett Arrington. Mr. Arrington graduated from Middletown High School, Middletown, KY-suburb of Louisville. He was employed by GE and completed their apprentice program and became a journeyman tool and die maker. Bill graduated from the University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, in Lexington with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and continued in graduate school. He was a member of Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi honorary societies. Bill was employed in 1963 by IBM in their development laboratory in Lexington, Kentucky, and was transferred by IBM to Austin in 1971. Bill retired from IBM in 1993. Survivors are his wife of 46 years, Catherine; daughter, Judy Willey; and son, Thomas Whisenhunt; three granddaughters, Annie Bernard (Jeff), Claire Whisenhunt, and Rachel Whisenhunt; three great-grandchildren, Zach, Grace, and Lauren Bernard; sister, Joyce Leonberger, Louisville, KY; and brother, Allen Arrington, PeeWee Valley, KY. He has three nephews and their families who live in the Louisville, KY area. He is also survived by his beloved aunt Mary Meyer of Middletown, KY along with Claire and Rachel's mother, Susan Whisenhunt. Bill had many loves and interests – books, woodworking, bowling, fishing, sailing, RV camping, all our dogs and cats over the years (especially his cat Muffin) and always his family and many friends. A memorial service and celebration of Bill's life will be conducted at 3:30 in the afternoon on Monday, the 8th of November, in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd. in Austin, where Laurie Strawbidge will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 100, Austin, Texas 78759. Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 13, 2010
Joseph T. Sustrik
Catherine, Judy, Tommy, and family, ...you are in my prayers during this time of a precious loss. While I only knew Bill just a few years on the 'I don't know.' bowling team, he made me feel like I knew him my whole life. He was a good friend and will be truly missed. God bless you all.
November 11, 2010
Pam Gaither-Denosky
Michael and I were so so sorry to hear about your loss of your father. Judy, you and your family are in our daily prayers.
November 9, 2010
Mike Barrett
I have always known Bill to be a meticulous and careful craftsman. It was great to watch him work. He was always upbeat. On a number of occasions, as our anchor bowler, Bill pulled us out with three strikes in the last frame. I will miss getting Bill’s advice on my construction and repair projects.
November 9, 2010
Terry Wilmoth
As someone who worked with, and for Bill, during my career at IBM, I wanted you to know that he was a wonderful role model. He worked hard, and always expected the very best from his colleagues. His pursuit of perfectionism on each task was appreciated. I admired him for his experienced background and his caring for his IBM teammates. He was a good man, and will be missed. My prayers are with the family.
November 9, 2010
Cathy Allen
BILL ARRINGTON was an upstanding Southern Gentleman who fell in love with, and married, a beautiful Kentucky Woman, Catherine, almost 50 years ago. At a time when raising someone else's children was perhaps an uncommon or even unpopular choice, Bill made Catherine's twins, Judy & Tommy, his very own.
I will be forever grateful to Catherine & Bill that they transplanted the best friend anyone's ever had to Central Texas. Judy & I found each other 27 years ago & have never let go!
November 8, 2010
Norbert Arrington
Catherine, Judy, Tommy, and families; Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. I am sending this from all three of us as dad says he still does not want a home computer so he has no email. We will always remember the Christmas gatherings, and the other visits to Louisville, even the last one at Joyce's. Dad remembers all the cars they both had and yes the motorcycle that Aunt Joyce did not. Our heartfelt sympathies and our prayers to you all in this time of loss.
Allen, Joyce and Norb Arrington
November 8, 2010
Kelly Starr
Judy and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers today. I will never forget "The Flood" at Judy's apartment that Bill and Catherine came flying over to help me with! I was really scared until Bill started laughing after the water stopped pouring out of the wall! We were all drenched! I always knew him as "Judy's Daddy". He fixed things and nurtured with a kind heart and hand. God Bless you all today.
November 7, 2010
Robert Glenn & Mistie English
Catherine & family - Just wanted to let you know that we love you and we are praying for you all during this time of sorrow. We love you!
Robert Glenn, Mistie & Bobby
November 7, 2010
Tammy Wells
I loved his dry sense of humor. He seemed to have a simple solution for everything. The best times I remember was when I was in my teens and I would fly to Austin during the summers. He took me sailing for the first time and scared the life out of me. Took me to mexican restaurants in Austin and out two stepping. So much fun... A trip to San Antonio, The Alamo, The Space Needle, The River Walk. Good times here in Ky at the lake. Always looking forward to his and my beloved Aunt Catherines visits. Always wishing they didn"t live so far away. I got to see him last year when they were here and will always cherish that memory as well. I love you Uncle Bill and will miss you.
Tammy
November 7, 2010
I guess I thought the four of us would go together when the houseboat sank under the weight of the bass you and Hank never caught.
I want another houseboat trip, another bridge game, and another dance. I'll miss you.
Love, Mary Frank Baker
November 7, 2010
Patrick Pettit
May time and the love of family and friends heal you.
November 6, 2010
November 06, 2010
Bill - Time has passed to fast for me. I can't believe you are gone. I am already missing you. I enjoyed the fishing,the boating, the bridge playing, and most of all, your fellowship.
Say hello to my brother Jim when you see him.
Sincerely, Henry(Hank) Baker
November 6, 2010
Hey big brother. We may have been separated by the miles but you have always been special in my heart and memories. Thanks so much for my visit last week. I couldn't think of a better way to say good bye. We had a special time remembering old times.
I remember all of your cars because I kept them 'clean' for you, but I must say I don't remember the motorcycle.
You have a beautiful family and my heart goes out to them in their loss of a husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather. You will always be there in my heart. God keep you always in his loving hands.
Your devoted sister, Joyce
November 6, 2010
Harold & MarJo Hunter
Catherine, you and family are in our prayers and thoughts during this very difficult time of sorrow. May our Lord surround you with His Heavenly Love and Comfort today and always. "Lo, I am with you always," Jesus said and "I will never leave you nor forsake you.
November 6, 2010
Tom Wilson
Bill married my sister and was a true father to Tommy and Judy. He and I are both Mechanical Engineers although he designed IBM Equipment and I design parts of buildings we shared a common love of the mechanical world. Bill was always pleasant and shared a true concern for my family. I will miss our conversations, though infrequent, they were always meaningful.
We are thankful for his life and it's meaning to our family.
November 5, 2010
Debbie Waggoner
Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Thinking of you all, praying for your peace. .
Love you Aunt Catherine & my TX cousins,
Debbie
November 5, 2010
Emil Crow
November 5, 2010
Judy Willey
Hi Dad,
I know you are in heaven, today, seeing all of your loved ones and reuniting with all the wonderful pets you have had in your lifetime here on earth. I am already missing you, but I am comforted by the thoughts that you have absolutely no pain, nor worries now. You were a wonderful father and I am so grateful for our time together. I'll be seeing you again some day and, meanwhile, you walk with me in my heart on the rest of my journey here.
Thank you for everything you have been and are to me, Daddy. Kiss the animals for me!
I'm loving you always,
Your daughter, Judy
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