Bill Archer

Billy (“Bill”) Franklin Archer, 79, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 5, 2024.  He was born July 24, 1944, in Ft. Worth, Texas, to Rufus & Lucile Archer.  He attended Arlington State College, which is now known as the University of Texas at Arlington.  Bill worked for several different companies during the course of his career, including General Dynamics in his early years, carrying on his father’s business – REA Refrigeration and Diplomacy Foods, and most recently his own company, Detail Supply.

Bill is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathleen (“Kathy”) Archer, his daughters Terri Robbins (grandchildren Anthony and Courtney) and Jenni Koerner (husband Richard and grandchildren Garrett and Mackenzie), stepdaughters Amy Coltharp (husband Mark, grandchildren Megan and Alyssa), Erika Watmough (husband Steve), and Lisa Evans (grandchild Mason).

A man of many talents and a variety of interests, Bill obtained a private pilot’s license in the early 1970’s and his love for planes was renewed in the recent past with his participation in a local radio-controlled aircraft club.  His enjoyment was more centered around building planes than flying planes competitively, but he truly enjoyed meeting up with other avid RC enthusiasts and seeing his work soar in the sky.  In the late 70’s and early 80’s, Bill was a member of the local Equipe Rapid Sports Car Club where he autocross raced his prized yellow and black Pantera.  Always up for adventure, he enjoyed his Sunday time racing the courses and competing for the fastest time.

Another true love of Bill’s was his Balboa 26’ sailboat.  Many weekends were spent sailing at various area lakes, sailing and camping at Lake Texhoma over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, and even a multi-week trip with his wife Kathy sailing the intracoastal waterways in the Gulf of Mexico down to Florida.  Taking the camping experience away from the water, Bill and Kathy loved camping in a variety of Texas state parks in their camper trailer.  Their true love was traveling up to Silverton, Colorado, to camp for a week in the fall, exploring the area by hiking and geocaching.

Bill was also an experienced amateur radio operator with several radios, large antennas affixed to the roof of the house and enjoyed talking to many people in far-away places.  You could hear him in his office/"HAM radio" room announcing his call letters – KC5GNB – as he traded stories and caught up with people, he had met over the radio waves.  When not involved in one of his hobbies, Bill loved relaxing in his recliner, doing crossword puzzles, watching the Dallas Cowboys play football through the Fall and NASCAR races throughout its season, or doing 1000-piece puzzles.

Always a twinkle in his blue eyes, a smile that came from the heart, and a witty, teasing comment to get a chuckle out of anyone, Bill will be missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 2, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options to share memories of Bill and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following are appreciated: American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org or American Bladder Cancer Society: https://bladdercancersupport.org