Billy Clyde Benedict
Benedict, Bill C. 88, of Dallas, passed away August 3, 2014 at home of congestive heart failure. Bill was born in Dallas, TX on December 30, 1925, the son of William C. and Gladys (Webb) Benedict. Bill lived his entire life in Dallas, TX. He was the eldest of four children. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Louise (whom he affectionately called Tweezy); parents; brothers, Bobby and Benny; sister, Betty McFadden Chase; great-grandson, Collin Reeder and granddaughter-in-law, Tay Reeder. Bill is survived by his three children; daughters, Donna Benedict, Charlotte Belter (Bill), and son, Dennis Benedict (Taylor); grandchildren, Gary Reeder (Toni), David Reeder, Julie Milette (Chris), Robert Reeder, Mikal Reeder (Sarah), Craig Thomas, Michelle Thomas, and Nicholas Benedict. He is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren: Jack Reeder (Jess), Marie Russell (Garrett), Jordan Reeder (Miranda), Jared Reeder, Trinity and Gwen Milette, Hayden and Olivia Reeder, Ashley, Dalton, Erin, Taya, Jaydon, and Jazmyne Reeder, Austin Riley, Nick Rivera and Cameron Thomas; great-great granddaughter, Joslyn Tay Reeder. Bill, "Opa" to all of the kids, was our leader. We all knew that Opa had the final word. We all looked up to him-it was just understood. Bill spent his entire adult life making sure that we all had the best opportunities available to us-now what we did with those opportunities was up to us. He was a mentor, not only to his family, but to numerous others as well. He was the consummate problem-solver, and tried to teach all of us that concept. Bill thrived on challenges, both large and small. To say that he was stubborn would be an understatement. But, it was just that stubbornness that enabled him to achieve all of his successes, both in business and in his personal life. Bill strived to be fair in all of his endeavors. He was a man of his word, although many of his kindest deeds were done behind -the-scene. Nothing was more important to Bill than his family. He loved all animals, and as many of you know, was the proud "parent" of the famous Mr. P, the office cat at Benedict Optical. Mr. P was quite large, and enjoyed many a year as the official office pet. There are many stories of Bill and his kindness to strays. As we the family say good-bye for now to our beloved Dad, Opa, we want to thank you for being the man that you were to all of us. We will miss your devilish smile and your keen observations. We let you go with heavy hearts, but light spirits, as we know you are resting comfortably now with those you love who went before you. Our family would like to extend a special thanks to close family friend, Maria Hernandez, for all of her kindness and special care of our dad. We couldn't have done it without you! Also, a special thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff on the 2nd and 5th floors at Baylor Heart Hospital of Plano for their compassionate care for the 9 days prior to his going home. Dad's many accomplishments included: Optical Industry 68 years US Navy 2 years, Flight Instructor with commercial pilot and instrument ratings 5 years including having logged over 5000 hours in single and multi engine aircraft at a US Government approved flying school as instructor or pilot-in-command... Founder of International Optical which merged with Dr. Stanley Pearle's offices to form Opticks (Pearle Vision) which they took public. Co-founder with Mac McFadden and son, Dennis, of Omega Optical, which also did an IPO, Built the Dallas International Motor Speedway in Lewisville, Partner in Marine Maintenance, served on the boards of Texas American Bank and Royal Optical, co-founder with daughter, Donna of Century Ready-Mix, Century Garden Center, Delta Fashion Optical, Benedict Optical and Legends 4.0 Optical. SPECIAL AWARDS include: 1996 Earnst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year; 1996 Dallas Connection, The Optical Legends Lifetime Achievement Award; 1997 PPG/Jobson, Star of Vision Award; 1999 Dr. William Pittman Optometric Leadership Award presented by the University of Houston College of Optometry; 2000 Charter Member and Visionary of The Optical Pioneers, sponsored by the Optical Laboratories Association; 2003 Optical Laboratories Association Director's Choice Award. Bill also holds a Chair at UHCO as well as 2 Professorship scholarships and 3 optometric student scholarships at UHCO. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be at 2:30 PM on Friday, August 8, 2014 at Restland Memorial Chapel. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to: American Heart Association, Operation Kindness or Dallas Children's Advocacy Center.
source: Dallas Morning News
August 6, 2014