Obituary for William Henry McColley Jr.

William Henry McColley Jr. was born September 25, 1939, in San Antonio, TX and died March 19, 2023.

He was the eldest of 13 siblings.  While he was in high school, he worked various part time jobs.  After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army.  He completed 4 years active duty in the Army then returned home to San Antonio.  He started working as a busboy at Earl Abel's where he met his first wife Mary Louise.  They married in February of 1965 and in October had a daughter named Josephine.  William started working at VIA Metropolitan transit as a Bus Operator.   Soon after William and Mary Louise had 3 more children-Lorraine, Jacqueline, and William H. McColley III. After several years the couple separated but always remained friends for life.

William met his second wife named Mary Alice.  They had two children- Bruce and Casey.  William ensured the boys were active in different activities.  He enrolled them in Boy Scouts of America, and he actively participated in all the events that his sons were involved in.  He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus at his church.

After some years had passed, Mary Alice became very ill.  She needed round-the-clock care.  William decided that he would care for her at home.  He worked around his busy schedule so that he could ensure she was taken care of properly.

William retired from VIA after 35 years.  He stayed active at the American Legion as the Bar Manager. He worked there for many years and filled in as Financial Officer and Commander of the Post.  During his time at the post, he started the Sons of the American Legion. William started this organization so he could involve his sons, grandsons, and sons-in-law in an organization that teaches the fundamentals of good citizenship and a sense of individual obligation to the Community, State and Nation.  He was a true patriot who loved his country and wanted to show young men the importance of preserving the memories of former members and the forefathers in all wars.

After he completed his tenure at the post, he started working for Linebarger Law Firm as a courier.  He loved and appreciated his job so much.  He never missed a day of work.  Everyone at the Law Firm loved him and they always showed their appreciation to him.  He was even able to get his two grandchildren (Ryan and Rachel) summer internships at the Law Firm.   Due to COVID, his schedule changed and he was working less hours so he decided to fully retire.

William is preceded in death by his parents: William H. McColley and Julia McColley, Sister: Olga McColley, Brothers: Charles McColley and Alex McColley and his wife Mary Alice.

William is survived by his daughters Josephine, (Jose) Lorraine (Javier), and Jacqueline (Steven).  His sons- William, Bruce, and Casey. Sisters- Esther, Cecilia, Vinita, Judy, Terry and Zulema.  Brothers- Patrick, James, Dennis, and Henry.  Grandchildren- Ryan, Rachel, Destiny, Dominique, Ciara, Steve, Madeline, Emily, Natalie, Ebin, Zayden, Marley, and Frankie.

Great Grandchildren- Isabella and Presley

Along with numerous extended family members and a lifetime of friends.

William will be forever remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, his generosity to those who needed help and his patriotism. He was dearly loved by his children, grandchildren and all his family and we will miss him so much.  He will be forever in our hearts.

Funeral services for William will be held at 10am on Wednesday April 5, 2023 at San Fernando Cathedral,  115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205.  Burial will follow at 2:15pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (1520 Harry Wurzbach, Fort Sam Houston TX, 78209)with Full Military Honors.