William G. Reid

William "Bill" G Reid, 86, of Austin, TX, passed away on March 31, 2024. Born on January 20, 1938, in Amarillo, TX, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a respected member of the community. Bill was known for his passion for puns, meticulous manner, napping, ability to create clever names and propensity for hitting up garage sales.
Bill spent his childhood in various towns across Texas and Oklahoma, ultimately graduating as the salutatorian from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City in 1956. During his high school years, he served as President of the Student Council, was involved in the Southern Association of Student Council, and worked after school and summers in his family’s furniture store.
Bill pursued higher education at Harvard College, graduating with the Harvard Class of 1960 with an A.B. majoring in government. During his time at Harvard, Bill was Chairman of the Winthrop House Committee and a member of the Crimson Key Society. He also participated in the Freshman Union Committee and was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity.
Following his graduation from Harvard, Bill served as a US Naval Officer from 1960 to 1963. He was stationed aboard a destroyer, where he held the rank of Lieutenant (0-3) and served as a Gunnery Officer and Legal Officer. His duties included overseeing a department of four officers and 100 men. Bill remained active in the U.S. Naval Reserve for years.
After his military service, Bill attended the University of Texas Law School in Austin, Tx., where he achieved an LL.B. in 1966. He was an associate editor of the Law Review, published a student article on the revised Code of Criminal Procedure, and was a member of the Honor Tribunal, the Order of the Coif, and Phi Delta Phi. He also participated in the Texas Legislative Internship Program, staffing the Texas House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence when the Code of Criminal Procedure was enacted.
Once Bill passed the Texas Bar Exam on October 3, 1966, he spent his legal career fighting for justice for all. His positions included working in the Attorney General's Office, the District Attorney's Office, and a variety of other prestigious legal roles in the Lone Star State. He was instrumental in the enactment of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and served as the first administrative director of the Texas Law School’s Criminal Justice Project.
Outside of work, Bill enjoyed hobbies such as photography, travel, and garage sales. He was a dedicated member of the West Austin Democratic Party, the University of Texas OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) “Quest” program of which he helped draft the by-laws, the Pro’s and Con’s group, and multiple book clubs. Bill also never missed a nap, a good debate, or the chance to enjoy a good meal with loved ones which helped him maintain lifelong friendships.
Bill's family was central to his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Susan Houston Reid (Radcliffe Class of 1962); his son, Robert Reid and daughter-in-law Nelma Sanchez; his daughter, Sarah Tresca and son-in-law Michael Tresca; and his cherished grandchildren, Anthony and Isabella Tresca. Bill also leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Greg and Mitzi Reid, Randy and Lisa Reid, David Reid, and Cindy and Todd Davenport. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Albert Reid and Bettye Greene, his stepmother Ernestine Reid, his stepfather Albert Greene, his brother Donald Reid and sister-in-law Shirley Reid, and their daughter Karen Elizabeth Reid.
A service to honor Bill's life will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin on Grover Avenue on July 20, 2024, at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Harvard College Fund, American Civil Liberties Union Foundation Inc., Texas Democracy Foundation, Travis County Democratic Party, the Ralph and Francy's Houston Scholarship Fund at Texas State, the Diabetes Foundation, or the Alzheimer's Association.
Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of loyalty, friendship, and dedication to his community will be remembered for years to come.