Billy was a sophomore playing varsity football and broke his neck and severed his spine while making a tackle during a Homecoming game in 1974. He was a quadriplegic, but the chair didn’t define or deter him from accomplishments. He was seen for who he was and how he lived his life.
Billy was one of the most inspiring persons we know. We love his strength, endurance, honor, willpower to overcome obstacles, and his “I can do it” attitude. Billy always had a smile and a positive word for everyone. He was always a giving person, proud and determined. He got a lot of this from our mother, Mary (shown in picture with Billy). She taught by example and gave us faith in God.
Some of Billy’s accomplishment were graduating from Bradley University, helping to raise Kelsey Orr (great niece), and teaching at St Edward’s School. He considered all the children of St Edward’s to be his kids. The diocese presented him the Pere Marquette award for his dedicated service with the Catholic church.
Billy worked at Proctor Hospital as a counselor, American Family Insurance and spent over 35 years as a Physical Education teacher at St Edward’s. He oversaw the youth group, and coordinated religious training for children. He was involved in many organizations from Knights of Columbus Counsel 427, The Optimist Club, Jaycee’s, Coalition for the Disabled, Teens Encounter Christ (TEC), and Cursillo. He generously gave his time not only to the community and church but to his family and friends. He bungee jumped to raise funds for Christmas lights in the community and participated in many activities with friends: fishing, shooting guns, dancing, painting ceramics, coaching softball and other sports, and simply enjoying life.
When faced with obstacles, he’d pray and he’d start each day fresh. Most important, he shared the bad and the good in witness talks he gave at retreats so that no one would ever feel alone and know God was always present. He taught us all to never give up, keep smiling and God is good!
For all these reasons, we’re proud to be family and know Billy is still a great inspiration to us and others.
We thank the Class of 77 for keeping alive Billy’s memory, love and inspiration. We thank everyone for donating funds to further the education of a deserving senior that have themselves inspired others.
God bless,
— Galindo Family
LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT!