Billy "Grumpy" Kidwell

Billy “Grumpy” Kidwell, 80, of Pampa passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2024 in Pampa.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, January 25, 2024 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 PM.

Bill was born September 15, 1943 in Shamrock to Ottice and Susie Kidwell. His family lived on a farm outside of Samnorwood and moved to Pampa in 1956. He attended schools in Pampa and graduated from Pampa High School in 1962. On June 8, 1963, he married the love of his life, Marylyn Brown. They celebrated 59 years together before she passed away in 2022. Bill was a carpenter and worked for several builders in Pampa such as Highland Homes and was a partner with Wyco. Bill later went to work for Hogan Construction and worked for them for 20 years. After the explosion at Celanese, he began working for Mundy Construction and retired after 15 years. Once he “retired”, he opened Kidwell Construction and Overhead Door Repair. He operated the business until January of 2016. 

Bill was a life member of Pampa Optimist Club, he served in all areas of the club from all of the positions on the board, coach, umpire, and grounds keeper. He was instrumental in starting the girls’ softball program. During his younger years he was involved in the CB Radio Club. Bill was a longtime member of First Baptist Church. He enjoyed being a sponsor and traveling on church choir mission trips while his daughters were involved. Bill also helped with the Pampa FFA, building pens and helping out wherever he was needed. 

Bill enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially hunting coyotes with his greyhounds. Bill could visit with just about anyone, he always had stories to tell. When he was able, Hamburger Station was his first stop of the day. Bill also spent time helping and cooking on the chuck wagon with Keven Romines and Gerald Rasco. Bill loved his family, especially when everyone could be together.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Erin Kidwell; five sisters, Patsy Kidwell, Shirley Andrus, Linda West, Odessa McGahen, and Martha Taylor; and a brother, Ottice Kidwell, Jr.

Survivors include two daughters, Whitney Davis and husband Kevin and Dori Miller and husband Dustin all of Pampa; five grandchildren, Keenan Davis and wife Ashlee’, Tanner Davis and wife Bethany, Reid Miller and Lexie Thrash, Trey Miller and fiancée Erica Taylor, and Drew Miller all of Pampa; great granddaughter, Bree Ryan Davis of Pampa; two sisters, Bonnie Guthrie of Wellington and Carolyn Taylor of Pampa; brother, Doug Kidwell and wife Judy of Pampa; sister-in-law, Gloria Kidwell of Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Memorials can be sent to Pampa Optimist Youth Club, PO Box 802, Pampa, Texas 79066 or Celebration of Lights, c/o City of Pampa, PO Box 2499, Pampa, Texas 79066.

The family would like to thank Pampa Nursing Center for their love and care of Bill and for allowing him to be the “self-appointed boss” for the past 8 years and Interim Hospice for their care.