William A. "Bill"

Carlson

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IN LOVING MEMORY

William A. "Bill" Carlson

Feb 17 1929 - Jan 14 2013

Bill Carlson, 83, passed away Monday, January 14, 2013, in his McKinney home, surrounded by loving family. He was born February 17, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, one of 4 children. He graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1947 and was drafted into the United States Army.

Bill served as a staff sergeant in Europe during the Korean War. Upon leaving the military he began a successful sales career. He worked at Bell & Howell for 21 years, achieving the role of Vice President. During this time, he lived in Chicago, raising a family with his first wife, Shelley Pollenz.

While at Bell & Howell, Bill met the love of his life and future wife Kay Parr. Their 32-year marriage began in 1980 as they opened The Camera Store in Dallas. For the next 20 years, they worked side-by-side, played golf, traveled and enjoyed their grandchildren until his retirement in 2000.

In retirement, Bill was instrumental in building Kay’s successful real estate business. He loved his vintage camera collection, playing golf with the senior men at Eldorado Country Club, doing the daily crossword and taking care of his cats.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kay Carlson of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Kyle Carlson of California, Dana McCloud and husband, John of Illinois, and Lori Lotz and husband, Allen of Georgia; sons, Bill Carlson and wife, Carolyn of Dallas and David Carlson and partner, Tony Rotolante of Illinois; stepsons, Joseph Martin , Jeff Martin and wife, Kim, all of McKinney; step-daughter, Sheryl Jeffrey and husband, Will of McKinney; grandchildren, Chris McCloud of Illinois, Amanda Bloom and Amy Bloom, both of California, Jason Lotz of Indiana, Adam McCloud and wife, Alexis of Illinois, Jennifer Bloom of California, Katy McCloud of Illinois, Kelly Lotz of California, Ryan McCloud of Illinois, Shelley Bloom of California, Melanie Lotz of Georgia, David Lotz of Indiana, Laura Carlson, Sarah Carlson, Heather Phillips, Ashley Paul, Alex Martin, Ashley Martin, Virginia Jeffrey and Patrick Jeffrey all of Texas; seven great-grandchildren; many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Christopher Carlson, and siblings.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 18, 2013, at First United Methodist Church of McKinney with the Reverend Doug Fox officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Samaritan Inn of McKinney.

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Memorials

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