Bill Walton

Birth Name: William Theodore Walton III

Date of Birth: November 5, 1952

Place of Birth: La Mesa, San Diego, California, United States

Date of Death: May 27, 2024

Place of Death: San Diego, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, Irish, possibly other

Bill Walton was an American professional basketball player, television sportscaster, and podcast host. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, and the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. He won three national college player of the year awards, and led UCLA to NCAA championships, and the Trail Blazers and Celtics to NBA championships. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, and was a studio analyst and color commentator. He was 6′11″.

Bill was the son of Gloria Anne (Hickey) and William Theodore Walton, Jr. His brother, Bruce Walton, was also a professional football player. They were the only brothers to play in the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. Bill was married to Lori, until his death. He has four children with his former wife Susie, professional basketball player Luke Walton, and Chris Walton, Nate Walton, and Adam Walton, who have all played college basketball.

Bill’s paternal grandfather was William Theodore Walton (the son of John Dana Walton and Mary Ann Lidgett). William was born in Iowa. John was born in Maine, the son of Arthur Hanaford Walton and Martha Madora Walton. Mary Ann was born in England, the daughter of Nathaniel Lidgett and Mary Ann Crossley.

Bill’s paternal grandmother was Pearle/Pearl Esther Williams (the daughter of Charles Edwin E. Williams and Mary Ella White). Pearle was born in Michigan. Charles was the son of John Oliver Williams and Marion/Mariam/Miriam Hall Abbey. Bill’s great-grandmother Mary Ella was the daughter of John Andrew White and Esther Augusta Lines/Rosenkrantz.

Bill’s maternal grandfather was named Patrick Hickey II.

Bill’s maternal grandmother was named Emily.

Sources: Genealogy of Bill Walton – https://www.geni.com

Obituaries of Bill’s paternal grandparents, William Theodore Walton and Pearle/Pearl Esther (Williams) Walton – https://www.findagrave.com