William Fred "Skip" Early II

William Fred “Skip” Early II, age 76, passed away on March 29, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sue Early, and his daughters, Pamela (Emerson) Nunez and Leslie Early, both of Cypress, Texas. Skip was born April 26, 1949, in Pensacola, Florida, to William and Jimmie Early. The middle of three boys, Skip grew up in Pensacola and graduated from Escambia High School before beginning his studies at Pensacola Junior College. Through determination and hard work, he earned enough to put himself through both college and graduate school at Ole Miss, where he studied Chemical Engineering and played trombone in the marching band. After graduating, Skip moved to Houston, Texas to begin his career at ARCO Chemical. He later worked at M. W. Kellogg Company, where he met Sue, and they were married in 1983. In 1992, Skip founded Early Consulting LC, where he specialized in process safety management and became widely respected as a leader in the field. Skip never met a stranger. Known for his big personality and warm nature, he loved striking up conversations and had a special joy in telling anyone who would listen about the lives and accomplishments of his daughters. Music was always part of his life, from playing trombone in the Ole Miss marching band to performing in jazz bands and later playing bass guitar and singing in the choir at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church. An avid runner, Skip completed the Houston Tenneco Marathon six times between 1989 and 1996. Later in life, he returned to running alongside his daughter Pam, something he deeply cherished. Skip also coached girls’ softball for many years and had a genuine love for the girls he mentored. He continued giving back to the sport by volunteering with the Memorial Ashford Girls Softball Association for nearly 20 years. In 2008, Skip faced significant health challenges, undergoing double bypass surgery and later battling Guillain-Barré syndrome, which required him to relearn how to walk. In 2012, he suffered a severe stroke that left him unable to work or speak. Through the years that followed, his strength and determination remained evident as he worked tirelessly to regain his ability to walk. Throughout this time, his wife Sue stood faithfully by his side, caring for him with extraordinary devotion and love. In 2022, he moved to an assisted living facility, where his charm and humor quickly won over the staff, who would sneak him extra cookies. Skip’s life was defined by perseverance, passion, and deep love for his family. His resilience in the face of adversity and his unwavering pride in his daughters left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Skip was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Michael Dale Early. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 20, 2026, at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 14200 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079 with a reception afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Memorial Ashford Girls Softball Association.

William Fred "Skip" Early II

April 26, 1949 - March 29, 2026