William P. Kuvlesky

William Peter Kuvlesky, Jr., known as “Bill” or “Dr. K” to most, was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania on April 11, 1957 to Eileen and William P. Kuvlesky, Sr. Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Kingsville, Texas on March 8, 2025.

He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Vanessa, a loving and encouraging father to Catelyn, and a wonderful and caring son, brother, uncle, and friend to so many.

Bill had a quiet humor and gentle strength about him. He was incredibly selfless, sharing his time freely with students, colleagues, family and friends. He was most comfortable in his hat, jeans, t-shirt, and sunglasses. You’d likely find him with family, his dogs, an O’Doul’s in hand and occasionally a cigar in the other. You might hear Jimmy Buffet, Willie Nelson or Jerry Jeff Walker playing on the radio. He even recently played Jimmy’s “Grapefruit Juicy Fruit” song for his freshmen students, wearing a parrot hat, telling them he loved what he did and it wasn’t just a job to him, and he hoped they would find that too.

Bill was also an unwavering caretaker to his dogs, cats, and horses. He was passionate about animals. He even corresponded with the author of “Born Free” about lions in Africa when he was in his early teens. He turned this passion into a teaching career, spreading his joy and enthusiasm for wildlife to the next generation.

Bill received his Ph.D and Bachelor’s degrees in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University-College Station. He received his Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Bill was appointed to the faculty at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1999 and held the rank of Professor and Research Scientist in the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences and Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, respectively. Bill later dedicated nearly two decades to administrative service, serving as Assistant and Associate Dean of the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He authored numerous articles and books during his tenure with the University, highlighting his and fellow colleagues’ avian research.

Bill was usually quiet, but so knowledgeable on the subject of wildlife. You were lucky to be present during one of his passionate discussions about the okapi (his favorite animal), masked Bobwhite quail or snowshoe hares. His family will cherish memories of road trips to West Texas, successful hunting trips at the Temple Ranch, relaxing at the Frio River, and Friday night El Dorado dinners. He will always be remembered for his love and dedication to his family, his generous, caring, and gentle nature and his fondness of south Texas.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William P. Kuvlesky, Sr., his younger brother Mike Kuvlesky, and his step-son Travis Wilson.

Survivor’s include his beloved wife, Vanessa Kuvlesky, his daughter and her husband, Catelyn and Landon Fritz, his mother Eileen Kuvlesky, his sisters and their husbands, Lisa and Leon Bradway, Faith and Pat McConnell, sister-in-law Jennifer Kuvlesky, and his brother and his wife, Andy and Karen Kuvlesky. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, two great-nieces and one great-nephew.

Services will be held at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary in Kingsville, Texas on Thursday, March 13, 2025, with a visitation starting at 1 pm and a funeral service at 2 pm. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send remembrances to the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission Corpus Christi, the Texas A&M University – Kingsville Rodeo Team, or any animal rescue organization of your choice.