William “Bill” Wrench

April 28, 1941 – July 15, 2025

William “Bill” Wrench, 84, of South Padre Island, Texas, entered eternal rest on the evening of July 15, 2025. He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, to John and Gladys Wrench, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Anita Louise Douglas.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Clifford Wrench; his four children: Tony Cummings, Lisa Lucas, Mark (Genevieve) Wrench, and Marva Wrench O’Neal; two sisters: Norma Simpson and Marva Jones; seven grandchildren: Robin Jr., Renaud, Tony Jr., Rashaad, Mark Jr., Elijah, and Laila; and six great-grandchildren: Robin III, Renaudia, Remington, Rajuan, Romeo, and Rio. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, godchildren, and cherished friends.

Bill accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1965 at the age of 24. From that moment forward, he dedicated his life to fulfilling God’s purpose. He was ordained as a minister in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Pearl City, Hawaii, in 1968, and was elevated to the position of Elder in 1972. In 1978, he earned a Bachelor of Theology from Southern California Community Bible College in Long Beach, California, where he was honored to deliver the salutatory address.

Throughout his spiritual journey, Bill remained steadfast in his service to both church and community. He served as a lay minister and was often called upon to preach. His final church home was International Christian Center (ICC), where he was a faithful member until his heavenly transition. Bill often reflected on his life with the hope that one day he would hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Bill was a man of many talents and passions. He loved fishing, cooking, traveling, researching family genealogy, and watching rocket launches from his balcony on South Padre Island. He played a key role in organizing family reunions and remained deeply connected to his heritage.

A pioneer in the medical field, Bill made history in September 1962 as the first African American male nurse to graduate from Kansas City General Hospital and Medical Center, now University Health Truman Medical Center. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. His distinguished military service included assignments at Fort Ord (California), the Presidio (San Francisco), Tripler Army Medical Center (Hawaii), and Fort Gordon (Georgia). While at Fort Gordon, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as Chief Nurse Anesthetist with the 24th Evacuation Hospital. For his extraordinary contributions during wartime, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Following his active duty, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves, ultimately retiring with the rank of Full Colonel.

In 1978, Bill moved to Selma, Alabama, to join the staff at Good Samaritan Hospital—a facility with deep ties to the Civil Rights Movement. He went on to become the first African American Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at both Selma Medical Center and Vaughn Regional Medical Center.

Bill and Clifford were united in holy matrimony in 1965. Their 60-year marriage, rooted in faith, mutual respect, and mentorship, served as a living example of agape love for many couples over the decades.

Throughout his life, Bill called many places home—including Kansas City, Missouri; Cerritos, California; and Selma, Alabama—before relocating to the Rio Grande Valley in 1990. He later settled in Brownsville, Rancho Viejo, and ultimately South Padre Island, where he fulfilled his dream of spending his final days with his beloved wife by his side.

William “Bill” Wrench will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking accomplishments in medicine and military service but, most importantly, for his unwavering faith in the Lord. His relationship with Christ was the cornerstone of his life and the foundation of every other relationship he held dear.

Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 with a memorial Service commencing at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Services conclude at the end of the memorial service.

Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation in memory of Mr. William “Bill” Wrench to Sunshine Haven Hospice located at 7105 West Lakeside Blvd. Olmito, Texas 78575 and donations can be made at https://www.sunshinehaveninc.org/donate.html