Bill Sayers

Bill had many adventures in his life. Bill was raised in Colorado and he served his country by appointment to the Navy in Annapolis and Vietnam. Bill attended the University of Illinois where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and in 1985 earned an MBA from Stanton University in Australia. Bill held several positions with Caterpillar Tractor over a 14 year period and asked for an overseas assignment. He did not consider Nebraska as a prime location. However, the good news finally came when he was assigned to work in Australia as a marketing manager where he had many opportunities to travel and explore the world. His sense of adventure was inspired by reading James Bond novels as a boy. After several merger and acquisition consulting jobs, Bill worked at the FDIC in Atlanta and Washington and in 1992 met his wife, Janis at a FDIC office in Massachusetts and began a new chapter in his life. They soon wed in Austin, Texas in 1993. Bill loved to make travel plans and have "surprise" trips up his sleeve for Janis. Bill loved to cook and always told the story of a first date of preparing a lovely dinner of salmon fillets and asparagus and that Janis had to ask what it was - so he was determined to teach her to cook! They enjoyed many nights cooking and enjoying a fine glass of wine. The creative side of Bill was very unique. One Christmas he decided to give Janis some "carat" earrings. Much to Janis' surprise, he had made some hoop earrings with carrots from the hobby store and followed up with a matching "carat" necklace at the next anniversary! Bill earned his Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Financial Services Auditor certifications during this time. Janis and Bill eventually moved to Atlanta and began playing tennis every weekend with the neighborhood ALTA league. He made friends very easily and enjoyed intellectual conversations inspired by world events. He spoke with a deep tone that any news or radio station would love. Once they moved to Dallas, Bill worked in business valuation services organizations and eventually back at the FDIC for the second financial crisis in 2010. A defining moment in Bill's life was the birth of his son, Christian. Bill took fatherhood seriously and stepped up to the plate in feedings, playing and hugs. Bill actually taught his son to raise one eyebrow up and down which made anyone laugh. He also loved to teach Christian about being a true gentleman. He taught him to pick a flower for his Mom, "ladies first" for opening doors, and bringing home special surprises like flowers, special meals or a funny card. Activities that Bill liked included reading, watching Jeopardy, cooking (especially his famous "Willy's Chili"), art collecting and laughing with friends. Bill liked to spoil Christian and most recently bought him an Xbox game. Bill's sense of humor, wittiness, jovial laughter and smile will be missed by all who knew him.
From Janis: Bill, my best friend, partner in life and laughing buddy - thank you for all the wonderful memories we have shared. You will be in my heart forever and ever. I love you!
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Janis Sayers, one son Christian Evan and his sister Betty. A memorial service honoring Bill's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2015 at LifePoint Church, 4501 Hedgcoxe Road, Plano, Texas 75024. Bill will be laid to rest at DFW National Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made in Bill's name to Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate