Obituary of William John Teeter

William “Bill” John Teeter, 96, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. He and his identical twin, Russell Hix Teeter, were born on July 15, 1926 near Pottsville, Arkansas to William D. and E. Wave Russell Teeter. The twins attended Pottsville schools, where they excelled in athletics playing basketball and running track. One year they won the state championship title for the mile relay on a team where 3 of the 4 runners had the last name Teeter - the twins and their distant cousin.

After graduating from high school, the twins enlisted in the Navy in 1944, attending boot camp together and both served on the amphibious warship, the U.S.S. Waukesha AKA 84. The war had a big influence on Bill's life. In August 1945 after watching a movie, the Captain asked everyone to stay. He announced the United States had dropped a new type of bomb that used the power of the atom. The Japanese government wanted peace. The whole crew and marines on board all wept tears of relief together as they hoped the war would soon be over. Bill later also served as a shuttle for navy personnel in and around the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay the evening before the morning of the surrender ceremony. Weeks later he landed marines in Nagasaki after the atomic bomb and Japan's surrender.

After their enlistment, the Teeter family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where the twins attended Del Mar Junior College before graduating from Southern Methodist University on the GI Bill with degrees in marketing. Bill worked for companies such as Firestone, Phillips 66, Kelly Springfield Tire, and Wheatland Seminole, selling tires, batteries, and accessories as well as pipe and tubular products. He was a charismatic and effective salesman, and met and married Betty Louise Bishop from Dallas, Texas on May 10, 1952 at Little Chapel in-the-Woods in Denton, Texas. Together, they had two boys, Richard John Teeter (born August 2, 1953) and James Allen Teeter (born April 26, 1955) just 20 months apart, establishing the next generation of "Teeter boys."

Bill had a strong fondness for black coffee and sweet treats like pie and ice cream and was known for his love of making jokes - he even had a folder in his file cabinet specifically for saving the best ones. He was a man of strong character, always sticking to his word and had a strong moral compass. In his adult life, he prioritized bringing people together. He organized and planned many reunions for his naval vessel the U.S.S. Wakaesaua AKA 84 and returned often to Arkansas for Teeter family reunions. Bill enjoyed the time he spent volunteering with Gideons International where he was able to meet with new service men and hand out new bibles during their induction. He was also a member of the West University Masonic lodge and the Shriners and was an active member of the West University Methodist Church. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing in Aransas Pass, reading, and spending time with his family, particularly at his grandkids' sporting events.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William D. (1980) and E. Wave Russell (1976) Teeter; his wife of 46 years, Betty Louise Bishop Teeter (1998); and his twin brother, Russell Hix Teeter (2012). He is survived by his sons, Richard and James, wife Toni; grandchildren Margaret (Teeter) Romero and husband Aaron, Carol (Teeter) Kar and husband Nino, Robert Teeter, and Carolyn Teeter; and great grandchildren, Maren Wave Romero and Abby Romero. He is also survived by six nieces and nephews. 

The family is very appreciative of all of Bill's caregivers and doctors that have cared for him and wants to give a special Thank You to Isabel, and Crisel with Angels Over Us, as well as Dr. Biswajit Kar. Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 13th, 2023 at 11am, in the Chapel at West University Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the charity of your choice.