Memorial services for Dr. Billy I. Dippel, age 77, of Brownwood will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 19, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Don Scroggs officiating. A reception celebrating his life will follow the service. Dr. Billy I. Dippel died Wednesday, December 15, 2010.
Billy was born September 26, 1933 in Brenham, Texas. He grew up in Giddings, Texas and graduated from Giddings High School. As the senior class president of 1950, Billy’s continued presidency and enthusiasm has helped keep the class of ’50 connected for over 60 years. He graduated from Southwestern University in 1954 with a B.S. in Chemistry. While at Southwestern, Billy was very active in extracurricular activities, such as Honor Council, Student Council, Pre-Dental Society, Southwestern Science Society, Vice President of Blue Key National Honor Society, and Vice President of the Senior Class of 1954. In May of 1958, he graduated from the University of Texas Dental Branch. Billy married his loving wife, Elaine Taylor of Houston, Texas on June 16, 1956. He served two years at the U.S. Naval Training Center, San Diego, California as Lieutenant in the US Naval Dental Corps. Billy was one of the eight of the fifty-eight dental officers to receive a citation as an Outstanding Navy Dental Officer. He entered private practice of General Dentistry in September 1960 in Brownwood, Texas. In August 1973, Dr. Dippel became an associate professor in the Oral Anatomy Department at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, Texas. While there, he served on the Admissions Committee. While earning the respect of his students, Billy established many lifelong friendships. In 1981, he returned to Brownwood to continue his practice.
Billy carried out his passion for the Golden Rule by participating in many philanthropic efforts throughout the community. Various organizations of which Billy was actively involved in include Kiwanis, First United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts Troop 14, and Good Samaritans. At First United Methodist Church he served on the Building Committee and was a Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Billy and Elaine were one of the original couples of the Johnson Sunday School Class. Billy was well known for his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. He was scoutmaster of Troop 14, served as officer and board member of the Comanche Trail Council, was a Vigil Member of Otena Lodge, Order of the Arrow, and received the 40-year service award for his involvement in Boy Scouting. In February of 1985, Billy received the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, the highest scouting award a scout council can give to a volunteer. Since 1986, he served as a Board Member of Brown County Hospital Authority and was Vice President since 1990. As a historian, he participated in the Sons of Confederate Veterans 2nd Texas Frontier District Camp #1904. Along with volunteer work, Billy enjoyed raising registered longhorn cattle, hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Dippel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elaine Taylor Dippel, daughter, Lynn Ann Dippel of Menard, Texas, son, Dr. Roderick Dippel of Beaufort, South Carolina, son, B.I. “Chipper” Dippel and wife, Carolyn of Menard, Texas and their daughters, Ashton and Channing Dippel of the University of Texas at Austin.
Billy will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his “never met a stranger” ability, and his love for the outdoors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Brownwood, Texas. Condolences may be left for the family at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com
