Tyler Mourns Passing of Community Stalwart William "Bill" Vines at 97
Tyler, TX – William D. "Bill" Vines, a cherished member of the Tyler community known for his extensive service and deep family roots, passed away peacefully at his home in Tyler on Saturday, December 28, 2025. He was 97 years old.
Vines was born on October 28, 1928, in Gilmer, Texas, to Henry and Minnie Vines. He was the youngest of nine children and the last of his siblings to pass away.
At just 17, Vines honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, attending Tyler Junior College (https://www.tjc.edu/) before earning a business degree from North Texas State, now known as the University of North Texas (https://www.unt.edu/).
He briefly taught school before embarking on a distinguished 40-year career with Southwestern Bell, from which he retired in 1990. Vines also dedicated his time working part-time for the Tyler Fire Department.
He shared a loving marriage of 62 years with Melba Jean. Together, they raised two sons, Steve and Kim. His legacy also includes four grandchildren – Matthew, Morgan, Melissa, and Michael – and eight great-grandchildren: Landon, Layla, Liam, Ellie, Levi, Max, Logan, and Dylan.
Vines' commitment to his community was profound and enduring. A faithful, long-time member of First Baptist Church in Tyler (https://www.fbctyler.org/), he served actively as a deacon, on the finance committee, as an usher, and taught Sunday School for an remarkable 60 years. He was also a dedicated member of the Tyler Kiwanis Club (https://www.tylerkiwanis.org/) for over six decades, serving as president in 1970.
His civic engagement extended to two terms on the Tyler Independent School District (TISD) Board (https://www.tylerisd.org/), including a year as president, and he served on the Tyler Municipal Employee Credit Union Board. Beyond these roles, he generously volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity (https://www.habitat.org/local/tyler), Meals on Wheels, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas (https://www.bgceasttexas.org/).
In his leisure, Vines enjoyed golf, walking, yard work, fishing, hunting, reading, and traveling.
Visitation for Mr. Vines is scheduled for Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, located at 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, TX. The funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM in the funeral home chapel. Dr. David E. Dykes will officiate. Interment will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery, 2225 SW Loop 323, Tyler, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church Tyler (https://www.fbctyler.org/), the Tyler Kiwanis Club (https://www.tylerkiwanis.org/), Habitat for Humanity (https://www.habitat.org/local/tyler), or Hospice of East Texas (https://www.hospiceofeasttexas.org/).
