Mr. Stigall
Billy Hiatt Stigall, 89, of San Gabriel passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Scott & White Hospital in Temple.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at San Gabriel Christian Church in San Gabriel, with Pastor Billy Bob Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Locklin Cemetery in San Gabriel.
Bill was born Oct. 29, 1936, in Rockdale to William and Minnie Stigall.
He was raised in San Gabriel, where he attended San Gabriel Elementary School and graduated from Thorndale High School. Bill and his brother, Zane, were raised by their devoted parents, who founded Stigall’s Grocery Store in 1936 during the Great Depression.
On June 28, 1958, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Evalyn Smith. They shared 53 years together until her passing on March 28, 2012.
Following high school, Bill attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering.
He began his career working on the Atlas Missile program with General Dynamics in California and Texas before transitioning to Lockheed at the Manned Spacecraft Center (NASA) in the Houston area. During his distinguished career, Bill contributed to some of the most historic achievements in space exploration, supporting the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Apollo– Soyuz and Space Shuttle programs.
In 1979 after the Space Shuttle program was certified mission-ready, he retired from Lockheed, moved back to San Gabriel and ran the Stigall Store for four years, after which he transitioned to Texas Utilities in Rockdale, where he oversaw instrumentation at the power plant. He was the holder of multiple patents while working at both NASA and Texas Utilities.
Bi l l wa s a de voted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was known for his remarkable intellect, steady character and deep love for his family. His legacy is one of hard work, humility and quiet strength.
He is survived by his sons, Billy Dale Stigall and wife Linda of Scottsdale, Arizona, Brian Wayne Stigall and wife Renee of New Braunfels; his brother, Zane Stigall and wife Eunice of San Gabriel; his grandchildren, Ashley Sims and husband Will, Melanie Mitchell and husband Nik, Sydney Stigall, Jack Stigall and wife Brenna Stigall, John Stigall and wife Alexandra; and his great-grandchildren, Finley and Bowen Sims; also, many beloved nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Evalyn Stigall, and his parents, William and Minnie Stigall.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.