William Priester Cardiff Jr.

William Priester Cardiff, Jr., 80, of Bellville, peacefully went to be with our Lord on October 3, 2026.

Born in Houston, Texas, on December 6, 1945, William was the son of William Priester Cardiff, Sr. and Fay Jeanette Engel Cardiff. He graduated from Katy High School in 1964, where he was a member of “The Roaring Band from Tiger Land,” before serving in the U.S. Air Force. During the Vietnam War, he was deployed to Thailand. While serving, he met Elizabeth “Betty” Frances Herk, whom he lovingly called the “most beautiful woman in the world.” They married September 16, 1967, at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska.

After his military service, William and Betty returned to Katy, where they raised four daughters: Michelle, Shannon, Kristen and Kelly. William earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Economics from the University of Houston while supporting his family and working with his father, uncles and cousins on the family rice farm. He also helped his family build the J. V. Cardiff & Sons rice dryer in Katy, the tallest rice dryer in the United States.

William worked for the City of Katy for many years, served as a city council member and volunteered as an EMT with the Katy Fire Department. In later years, he enjoyed working in the oil and gas industry alongside his daughters.

William found great joy in farming, hunting, fishing and, above all, flying. Aviation was his favorite pastime, and he traveled to fly-ins throughout the United States. He especially treasured flying his airplane to Matagorda, landing on the beach and spending the day fishing, crabbing and telling stories with friends. His love of aviation also inspired his business, Turbines to Tailfeathers, where he helped keep older airplanes and crop dusters flying. He was also a member of the International Cessna 120-140 Association.

William loved cooking and listening to the “Big Band” music he inherited a love for from his father. He often cooked enough food to feed an army and enjoyed singing along to Louis Prima, Louis Armstrong and Asleep at the Wheel. His favorite song was “Pennies from Heaven.”

He later moved to Hallettsville, Texas, which he called his second home. There he made many friends, played dominos and enjoyed the small Czech community. His friend and brother-in-Christ, Mike Thompson, helped reintroduce the Lord into William’s life. William once told Mike, “I want what you have.” Together, they attended an ACTS Retreat, where William renewed his faith in Jesus Christ. The experience deeply shaped his love for the Lord.

William cherished his four daughters, affectionately calling them No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 — “Shelly Pooh,” “Shan Shan,” “Pooh Girl” and “Korky.” He also grew to love many of their friends as his own, including Terri Harless Marsh, Lynn Bindeman Brent, Gina West Christensen, Paige Marini Ildebrando (“Fall Crop”), Bonnie Watson, Samantha Cassens, T. J. Horn, Lillian England Shultz, Tracy England Shores, Sammi Silgero and Mischelle Sharp McCarthy. Some of their fondest memories were made at the farm, swimming in rice wells, cutting rice during harvest and flying in William’s Cessna, as well as summers at Lake Buchanan, where he taught them to water ski and fish.

He had an especially deep love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Pa.” He treasured attending their special moments and events and always greeted them with hugs and love.

In the months before being called home, William experienced several heavenly visitations from family waiting for him. They brought a smile to his face and peace to those who witnessed them. In his final days, Big Band music filled his room, and although he could no longer respond with words, he tapped his toes to every beat.

Special thanks to Sharon, Stevie and the staff at Acara Hospice, along with the staff at Magnolia Home in Bellville, for their loving care during his final two months. We are comforted knowing William is with our Lord and Savior, smiling, laughing, hugging family and probably puffing on a cigar while driving his favorite old truck with bumper stickers reading, “Eat Rice and Gravy” and “Don’t Cuss a Farmer with Your Mouth Full.”

William was preceded in death by his parents, William and Fay Cardiff; his “beautiful” Elizabeth “Betty” Cardiff; his sister, Victoria “Vicky” Cardiff; and best friends Fred England, Ben England, Frank Fishbeck, Johnny Nelson and Bob Glover.

He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Feild (Ricky), Shannon Walla (Rusty), Kristen Daves (Royce) and Kelly Franco (Steve); grandchildren Connor (Gabi), Morgan (Jakob), Ross (Alyssa), Justin (Katie), Jace, Taylor, Nathan, Matthew (Analise), Reagan (Elizabeth), Austin (Lori), Shelby, Maisy (Ian), Lily, Preston, Kolby, Cory, Isabelle, Julia, Zelda and Nick; and great-grandchildren Michael, Bryson, Noah, Saint, Autumn, Grant, Rylan, Saylor, Cohen, Ryver, Wells, Colson, Dove, Bodie, Weston, Will and Ryan Mae.

He is also survived by his sister, Fayne Cardiff Lawrence; niece Haley Naegle; nephew Rodney Lawrence; dear friends Mike Thompson, Linda Hibbs, Jane Franz, Paulette Nelson, Cheryl Nelson, Kathy Kettler Cardiff, Kay England and Barbara Moyer Sturm; the Bennett and Cottrell families; his many cousins; and his beloved dachshunds, Sugarfoot and Snickers.

William has traded his pilot wings for angel wings. He is cleared for his final flight — no more turbulence, just clear skies ahead. He has a new, imperishable residence, one that does not decay and was built by Jesus himself. Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3

A Celebration of Life will be held at “The Farm,” now Houston Executive Airport, where family and friends will gather to celebrate William’s wonderful life — and, of course, enjoy good food.

Houston Executive Airport 1900 Cardiff Road

Brookshire, Texas 77423 

Date and time of service pending.

In leiu of flowers please send donations to a fund for Fallen Crop Dusters:

Cody Thompson Memorial Scholarship

1379 CR 408

El Campo, Texas 77437