William Betts

William Harvey Betts, Jr., 69, passed away at home with family on June 9, 2025 after a short battle with ALS.

Born in Brenham, Texas, on April 29, 1956, Bill spent his early years in Hempstead, Texas, before moving back to Brenham. A proud Brenhamite, Bill graduated from Brenham High School in 1974 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University. He then attended Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law where he was editor of the SMU Law Review and graduated in 1980.

Bill married the love of his life, Paula Anger Betts, on August 7, 1982 and spent the next 42 years cherishing his family. Bill and Paula spent their time together creating memories around the world and giving back to their community. Bill adored his family and his hometown, creating spaces where everyone felt welcomed and valued.

Professionally, Bill was a respected attorney, known for being an expert in his field and extremely thorough. He was president and shareholder of Betts, Walters and Mutscher, P.C. and was the recipient of numerous awards, among those being the highest peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory, multiple Brenham Banner-Press Reader's Choice Awards for "Favorite Attorney", and induction into Brenham ISD's Distinguished Alumni. He served as president of the Washington County Bar Association from 1984-1985 and was also on the State Bar Law Office Management Committee, as well as a Sustaining Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Association. He chaired and served on numerous other State Bar of Texas committees.

Both professionally and personally, Bill's purpose was to live with a servant's heart. He found joy coaching his children in youth sports, teaching Cub Scouts how to tie knots, painting Maifest sets, serving in many roles at First Baptist Church of Brenham and volunteering endlessly. An avid fan and supporter of Mercer University Athletics, Bill was a board member of the Mercer Athletic Foundation, chair of the Mercer President's Club and was named an "Alumni by Choice". He was proud to be a former president of the Brenham Maifest, a founding board member and organizing director for the Brenham ISD Education Foundation, a two-term director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and board member and chair of the Brenham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. In addition, he served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Blinn College Foundation, Brenham Community Development Corporation, Hospice Brazos Valley and Baylor Scott and White. Bill spent countless hours pouring back into the town that poured into him.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Harvey Betts, Sr.; mother, Edith Maeckel Betts; aunt, Ola Casey and father-in-law, Bill Anger. He is survived by his wife, Paula; daughter, Cayte (Matt) Neil of Brenham; son, Will (Kaleigh) Betts of Dallas; grandchildren Beckett Neil, Dinah Grace Neil, Liam Betts, Everett Betts and Graham Betts; mother-in-law, Suzie Anger; and aunt, Shirley Maeckel.

Bill was immensely proud of his family, cherished his lifelong friendships, and consistently put others before himself. The profound impact he made on others will not soon be forgotten. His journey on earth was one marked by a deep-rooted faith in God and an unwavering commitment to others.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to City of Brenham Community Projects Fund (designate to be used for Parks Capital Projects), Baylor Scott and White Foundation, the Deep and Wide Capital Campaign for the First Baptist Church School or Mercer University Men's Soccer.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 12 at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. with the family present from 5 - 7 p.m. A celebration of life service will take place on Friday, June 13 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church (downtown location), 304 N Market St., Brenham, TX with a private graveside service beforehand. A reception will immediately follow in the church gym. The family encourages those in attendance to wear bright colors and bow ties in honor of Bill.

Pallbearers are Gregg Appel, Ken Baker, John Hasskarl, George Johns, Robert Stark, Jr. and Rob Winkelmann.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.