William Rodger "Bill" Hinckley

William Rodger "Bill" Hinckley, land developer and devoted family man, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side.

Bill was born in Houston, Texas, to Kenneth Rodger and June Marie (Benefield) Hinckley.  He enjoyed a bucolic childhood in the Memorial Villages, surrounded by neighborhood friends and endless adventures.  June and Ken gave him the freedom and rope to be wholly himself - a gift that shaped his bold, independent spirit.

Bill was a good athlete but had a breakout senior year in varsity football at Memorial High School.  He was named All City, All District and won the Landrum Trophy for Outstanding Defensive Lineman, even though he only weighed 165 lbs with bird legs.  Of all his accolades, he was most proud of being named Co-Captain by his teammates.

Deluding himself that he was going to play football at the University of Texas, with his below average stature, he started lifting weights, knowing that Coach Royal would be calling.  The phone never rang, but Bill still holds weightlifting records at UT.

Bill was lucky to find his soulmate, Cyndi at a popular college bar.  He was madly in love for almost 50 years.  Though his demanding career kept him traveling frequently, Cyndi managed their world with grace and strength.  Bill often said he would have been lost without her and described their relationship at "forged in steel."  Together they built a life centered on love and raised their greatest gifts: Holliday and Rowdy.

Bill graduated from UT with an advertising degree and started a successful marketing career.  He owned several ad agencies and was personally honored with many creative accolades in the business.  He loved his employees and they had a blast as willing participants of the "Mad Man" days.  He credited his creative drive and copywriting talent to his supportive mother, June Benefield - an accomplished author and columnist.

After nearly 20 years in advertising, Bill pivoted to real estate development, joking that he would "fake it until he made it."  Obviously to the risks he and his devoted partner, David Gibbs, were taking together, they built The Lookout Group into a successful residential development company.  What began with bootstrapped deals and literal horseback surveys grew into a highly respected residential development company in Central Texas.  Through savvy marketing, distinctive streetscapes, and a patient approach to their unique brand, they delivered award-winning master-planned communities across Central Texas.  Today, The Lookout Group has contributed acclaimed schools, more than 15,000 homes, and thriving commercial centers across the region.

Bill traveled extensively with family and friends on big game hunting adventures to Romania, Alaska, New Zealand, and seven African safaris.  He especially treasured those trips shared with his dear friends Greg "Speedy" Winborn and John Ed Stepan.

Of all his accomplishments, Bill was most proud of his children, Holliday and Rowdy.  Bill never missed a practice or game and coached most of their teams.  He threw batting practice for almost every boy and girl in West University and loved coaching SFL football alongside his friend and favorite offensive coach Bill Alford.  "Coach" was a hat Bill wore well.

After more than a decade of thorough "Bill-style" vetting, the Hinckley family proudly welcomed Holliday's husband, David Bracht, in 2017 - a perfect addition to the family.  In 2023, Bill's first grandchild, Waylon Bracht, was born, ushering him into another role he cherished.  Bill thrived in many arenas, but being "Grandad Kook" was one of his favorites.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, June and Kenneth Hinckley.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Cyndi Brooks Hinckley; his daughter, Holliday (David) Bracht, his son, Rowdy Hinckley, and his grandson, Waylon Bracht, all of Austin.  He is also survived by his sisters, Carolyn (Jim) Boyle of Austin and Nancy (Jim) Bradley of Santa Fe, along with numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately declared, "Uncle Bull is the greatest."

Bill was laid to rest at the family's touchstone, The Bar H Bar Ranch in Lampasas, Texas - his cherished slice of Texas Hill Country heaven, which he unapologetically bragged about.  Bill would like to acknowledge his longtime friend and ranch foreman, Jeff Burress, for his 30 years of contributions to the family.

In Bill's memory you may consider contributing to Burnet County CISD Educational Foundation https://bcisdef.squarespace.com/support or Hill Country Buyers Club, supporting local 4-H and FFA projects https://hillcountrybuyersclub.org/