William James "Bill" Gammans

William James "Bill" Gammans, passed away on September 8, 2024, at the age of 87. Bill was born in San Antonio on August 22, 1937, the second child of Robert and Velma Gammans. Bill graduated from South San Antonio High School in 1955 and from Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1958. He went on to The University of Texas at Austin where he earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1963. That same year he began his 34-year career with Texas Eastman Company. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Robert, his brothers, Edwin and Rodney, and his sister Carol and her husband Bill. Bill is survived by Mary, his wife of 39 years. He is also survived by his son, William "Scott" Gammans of Ashburn, VA, daughter Patricia "Patti" (Gammans) Monzingo of Dallas, TX, and Mary Lou Katchen of San Marcos, TX, the mother of his children. In 1981 Bill’s good friend Barbara McCollum suggested he call her friend Mary Dittmar, and they met on a blind date. They fell in love and married in 1985. Over many years they enjoyed ski and scuba trips with Eastman friends, having friends over for dinner, working out at Parke Way Fitness Center and church activities. After Bill and Mary retired in the early 1990’s, both became Master Gardeners and tended their church flower gardens for many years. In 2022 Bill received the Texas Master Gardener Emeritus award for his time, dedication and service to the Gregg County Master Gardener Program. Music was an important part of Bill’s life. When he finished high school, he was torn between studying music and chemistry. While in San Marcos he played trumpet with a dance band, "Danny and the Blazers" on weekends to earn money to put himself through school. In his retirement years, Bill enthusiastically sang tenor in his church choir. Bill made a wonderful apple pie using a pie crust recipe from his mom. And Bill loved little children. When his own grandchildren were born (Madison in 1997 and Jack in 2001) they moved to the top of the list. Bill was loved by so many, making so many friends along the way. He will be missed by all who knew him. A visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home of Longview, 1617 Judson Rd., from 6:00pm-8:00pm September 19. The Memorial Service will follow on September 20 at First Presbyterian Church, 301 N Center St., Longview, TX, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers as an expression of sympathy memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

William James "Bill" Gammans

August 22, 1937 - September 8, 2024