In Memoriam: William “Bill” Atlee

The Baylor Geosciences Department is sad to report that alumni, Mr. William "Bill" Atlee, passed away on December 4th, 2023.  Bill will be remembered fondly for his contributions to the Geosciences Department as both a student and alumni.  Bill authored the spring, 1962 edition of the Baylor Geological Studies bulletin titled "The Lower Cretaceous Paluxy Sand in Central Texas" and is also credited for creating the Baylor University Geology seal that was used for many years on publications of the department.

William “Bill” Augustus Atlee, BS ’58, MS ’60, of Georgetown, Texas, died December 4 at age 89. He served honorably in the US Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean Conflict. On June 6, 1958, he married Linda Kathryn Smith on the Baylor campus. Bill was a Certified Petroleum Geologist and worked for Exxon for 20 years.  He then went on to work for Hunt Oil Company as an Exploration Manager and became Vice President of Northern Exploration. He also enjoyed art and in 1959, he designed the logo used for decades by the Baylor Dept. of Geology. In 1980, this same design was chosen by the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He was an avocational archeologist with four published papers. A Native American petroglyph site that he recorded in Central Texas has been designated a State Archeological Landmark. Bill was also an active member of many Geological Societies and held various leadership roles within. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda (BS ’61) of 65 years and their 3 children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Department of Geology, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97026, Waco, TX 76798-7026