WILLIAM “BILL” E. MALLIA

1930-2018

William “Bill” E. Mallia, age 87, passed away January 1, 2018 in Houston after spending a joyful holiday with his family.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 42 years, Nancy Mallia; his children, Melinda and Mark Mallia, and Laura (Dave) Benson; his grandchildren, Tessa Mlynar and Tim (Nacira) Benson; his nephews, Mike and Tim Mallia; his nieces, Cathy, Beth, and Gayle Mallia; other extended family; his faithful fur babies, Danny and Daisy; and many dear friends.

Bill was born and raised in Galveston and later moved to Houston. He was a veteran, having served at the NATO Headquarters Allied Force Command in Germany during the Korean war. After obtaining his JD from the University of Houston in 1960, Bill practiced law for over 50 years.

Bill maintained an active and fulfilling social life, a born entertainer. Blue eyed and rosy cheeked, he loved people and made a friend of every stranger. He had a great love for music and opera; playing in the bands at his high school, college and the military. In recent years, he sang in a men’s chorus, the Kingsmen. At home he was handy, often occupied with home improvement projects; a master griller, famous for slow-smoked brisket and ribs. He loved pink on anyone and wore it himself, unabashed. A notorious snoozer, his naps were undeterred by company or venue. Bill inspired the invention of the apricot pie, a Thanksgiving tradition that started when he told his new wife Nancy it was his favorite. Finding no recipes, she invented her own. When asked how it compared to others he confessed, “I don’t know, I’ve never had it before, it just sounded good.”

Friends and family are invited to remember Bill at his memorial service on Friday, January 5, 2018, at 11:00 am at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church located at 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024. Reception to follow immediately.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to take your loved ones to dinner, order a nice bottle of wine, and toast Bill.