William “Billy” Frederick Zacharias

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William “Billy” Frederick Zacharias, a beloved educator, coach, farmer and rancher, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in McGregor, Texas, at the age of 83.

Visitation:  1pm to 2pm Thursday, December 12th at Zion Lutheran Church, 1125 W. 6th Street, McGregor

Funeral Service:  2pm Thursday, December 12th at Zion Lutheran Church, 1125 W. 6th Street, McGregor, officiated by Pastor J.T. Miller.

Interment:  McGregor Cemetery

Billy was born on February 11, 1941, in Waco, Texas, to Bill and Frieda (Wendt) Zacharias. He grew up in McGregor and graduated from McGregor High School in 1959. During his school years, Billy excelled in football, basketball and track, demonstrating his passion for sports and leadership.

He continued his athletic and academic journey at Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, Texas, where he played football for four years, earning accolades as a standout fullback. After graduating in May 1963, Billy married the love of his life, Gloria Ann Wheat, on June 7, 1963, at Zion Lutheran Church in McGregor. Their 61 years of marriage were filled with love, dedication and cherished memories.

Billy began his teaching career in the fall of 1963 at Giddings High School, where he taught math and coached football, basketball and track. His time in Giddings left a lasting impression on his students and players, many of whom kept in touch and invited him to class reunions, the most recent of which he attended just weeks ago.

While teaching, Billy pursued further education, earning a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin and Mid-Management and Superintendent Certifications from Baylor University in 1979 and 1980.

In 1974, Billy returned to McGregor as Principal of HG Isbill Intermediate School, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. He left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and colleagues, maintaining his deep connection to sports as an avid supporter and “coach in the stands.”

Following his retirement, Billy returned to McGregor High School to teach Pre-Calculus and Calculus part-time, sharing his passion for higher-level mathematics and continuing to inspire young minds.

Billy’s life was enriched by the friendships he cultivated through domino games, hunting and fishing. Above all, he treasured attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren, ensuring he never missed a moment of their lives.

An active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Billy was a pillar of his community, known for his kind heart, dedication and enduring friendships.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Frieda Zacharias. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Zacharias of McGregor; his children, Troy Zacharias with his wife, Cheri, Gary Zacharias with his wife, Missy, and Stacy Price with her husband, Kyle; eleven grandchildren, Kaley Gray and husband, Alasdair, Drew Zacharias and wife, Bree, Caitlin Zacharias, Madi Taylor and husband, Dean, Conner Zacharias and fiancé, Jessica, Mason Merritt, Alli Ainsworth, Cade Zacharias and wife, Bailey, Madi Ainsworth, Zach Ainsworth, and Bubba Zacharias; and two great-grandchildren, Maisie and Loxlie.

Pallbearers for the funeral will include Drew Zacharias, Conner Zacharias, Cade Zacharias, Zach Ainsworth, Bubba Zacharias, Dean Taylor and Alasdair Gray.

Billy will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends and the many lives he touched throughout his extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in Billy’s honor.

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Condolence Messages

  1. Gary and Carlene Cooper

    Gary and I are so saddened by this tremendous loss to the Zacharias Family and all those who loved this special man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Gary and Carlene Cooper and Family

    • I am so sorry to hear the news. Billy was such an awesome person. My deepest sympathies.

      I am sorry I won’t be there to pay my respects but my family and I will pray for Billy and the whole family (from up north)

  2. Marze Moore-Powell

    Sending my Deepest Condolences to the family.

    Mr Zacharias was my Jr High School Principle in McGregor. Every student loved him.

    I am asking God to wrap his arms around the family, and comfort them.

    Marze Moore-Powell

  3. Rebecca Sherrill

    Coach Zach was a super math teacher and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  4. Carrie Anne Millea

    Mr. Zacharias was my very first person meeting me when I walked into those McGregor Junior High School doors and joining the McGregor ISD family, the smile on his face made me feel welcome and right at home. Prayers for the family, which I love dearly, for peace and comfort during this difficult time. May peace be with the entire Zacharias family.

    Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

    Carrie Anne Walters-Millea

  5. Mr. Zacharias was an amazing educator. He will truly be missed. Sending my deepest condolences to the Zacharias family.

    Wanda M. Quinton

  6. Mr. Zacharias was a pillar in McGregor. From Jr High to High School pre-cal to around the community–a true McGregor personality. But my favorite is press box announcer at football games. Will always remember him!

  7. Dear Ann,
    Mike and I are saddened to hear of Coach’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and we all feel blessed to have been around him. May God hold you and your family in the palm of His hand and give you strength and comfort. You all are in our prayers
    Mike and Carolyn Jatzlau

    Mike was talking too our grandson just last week about Coach Zach’s math classes.

  8. Alli, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa, he was such an good man. I’ll keep you in my thoughts & prayers. Love ya baby.

  9. W G (Bubba) Foehr

    Coach Zach was a math teacher, coach, and Sunday school teacher in Giddings. He was a person to look up to. He will be greatly missed.

  10. Dolly Droemer Hoeinghaus

    Sincere condolences to the entire family. So looked forward to seeing Coach Zach and Ann at our class reunions in Giddings over the years. He was the best math teacher ever! He will be missed by many.

  11. Don J Spitzenberger

    What a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of having Coach Zach as my math teacher while he was in Giddings. He was an inspiration to many students.

  12. I am so sorry to hear that “Billy” passed. I had met him
    through my grandson Zach Lester. I will miss seeing him at
    the sports events in McGregor. I am praying that GOD WILL WHICH IS IN HEAVEN give comfort and peace, during to family during this time of sorry

  13. Troy and family, peace and strength over you. May you always be able to share of his spirit and good times. Be blessed.

  14. Melissa Underwood Thompson

    Mr. Zacharias was my principal at McGregor Junior High. He inspired everyone and everyone loved him. He will be greatly missed.

  15. Sincerest condolences to the Zacharias Families.
    I am so grateful to have been a student in all of Coach Zacharias
    math classes at Giddings High School. He provided us with a
    most valuable math foundation for our further studies. Not to
    mention he was so approachable and personable.
    God bless and keep you during this difficult time.
    Sara Ann Barton
    Class of 1967 Giddings High School

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