Mr. Willie Alva Bumgardner, age 91, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2022.

On March 27th, 1931 in the city of Ashland La., the life of Willie Alva Bumgardner who was born to Enoch and Nettie Bumgardner began. Willie, who was fondly called Bill, would be the 11th child born. He followed Velma, Irman, Mildred, Virginia, Lenora, Barbara, Eulalah, Johnie, Edwina, and Joe. He would grow up to marry the love of his life, Elsie Marie McCormick, who he met while attending Northwestern State University on December 8th, 1951.

Soon after, Bill joined the United States Navy and spent 20 years attaining the rank of Commander. Along the way, on February 26th, 1956 Bill was blessed with his first child named Stephen Michael. Mike was a great athlete who was tragically killed in a hunting accident on November 3rd, 1970. On December 3rd, 1961, Bill was blessed with his second child, Mark Andrew, who he named after one of his favorite commanding officers. Bill taught Mark how to play bridge and they played together for years. On June 25th, 1992 Bill was blessed again, this time with his only grandchild Lisa DeAnn. One of Bill's proudest moments was when Lisa graduated with her Master's degree as an Occupational Therapist.

After retirement from the Navy, Bill worked in his private dental practice. Life was good for Bill and Elsie as they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on December 8th, 2021. On June 6th, 2022 Bill passed in his sleep. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, caring dad, involved grandfather, and above all living a good Christian life.

Goals attained by Bill included graduating from Baylor Dental School with a D.D.S. and achieving the rank of Ruby Life Master in the ACBL. Bill loved being active as a runner for years and still walked 1 ½ miles 5 days per week in his last months. He was a huge Dallas Mavericks fan, rarely missing a game.

Bill is survived by Elsie (Wife), Mark (Son), Sheri (Daughter in law), Lisa (granddaughter), Campbell (Lisa's husband), and numerous nieces and nephews.