Bill was born February 5, 1936, to Walter and Ruby Davis Locke in Sayre, OK. He married Dorothy Hardin on August 10, 1956, at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Sayre, OK. Bill attended the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University where he received his Ph.D. in Psychology. He was a long-time psychology professor at Texas Tech University where he guided numerous students on their road to successful careers. He was committed to helping others by serving as a consulting psychologist at the Lubbock State School, helping establish the TTU Psychology Clinic and serving as a volunteer Red Cross Disaster Relief Psychologist following several natural disasters and the Oklahoma City Bombing.

One of Bills greatest passions was basketball. He coached youth basketball for many years and is fondly remembered by his former players. He continued to play on intramural teams and a near daily ‘old-guys’ noon pick up game at the TTU Rec Center until his retirement. He was an avid Texas Tech fan and had season tickets for 55 years. Bill was devoted to his friends, colleagues, and extended family, maintaining extensive correspondence with many until the last few years of his life.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Locke; children, Jon and wife Amy Locke, James and wife Ruth Ann Locke; grandchildren, Maria Locke, Madison and husband Troy Chester, Brandon Locke, Sydney Locke, Kirsten Locke, Cooper Locke; brother-in-law, Ronnie Stephens; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by parents, Walter and Ruby Locke; grandchild, Thomas Locke; siblings, Lavita Locke, Walter Wayne Locke, and Juanita Johnson.