FUSSEL, William Durwood: 1909 – 2008

William Durwood Fussell, 99, died Thursday, March 6, 2008. He was born on January 1, 1909 in Acme, TX to William Pinkney Fussell and Maude E. Newsom Fussell.

Before moving to Katy, he lived in Raymondville and San Perlita. He graduated from Katy High School in 1925. On March 2, 1929, he married Argie Lee Guice in Crockett, TX.

For 22 years, he was tax assessor/ collector and business manager for Katy ISD, before retiring in 1969. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1929, and later received his Master’s Degree from The University of Texas. He was a member of the Retired Texas State Teachers Association. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Katy. For more than 70 years, he was a member of the Raymondville Masonic Lodge, which has now become the Harlingen Masonic Lodge. He was a longtime member and chairman of the Planning Committee for the City of Katy, where he served under many different mayors. He also helped start the Katy AARP Chapter. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Katy, where he served for 22 years as Treasurer,, Deacon and past Chairman of Deacons.

He is survived by his wife, Argie Lee Fussell; son, John D. Fussell; granddaughter, Cassie Simmons; great grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a son, Dr. Richard N. Fussell.

Visitation was held at Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel in Katy. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Katy with Dr. Randy White and Rev. Tom Bolin officiating. Interment in Katy Magnolia Cemetery.