Tributes

William Tracy Mize (Willie) was born October 15, 1958, to Herlinda Flores and Troy Mize in San Benito, Texas. He spent his early childhood in Rio Hondo and soon moved to San Antonio. He was raised in a household with his mother, grandmother, Paula, and sister, Wanda Mize. As a child, William enjoyed playing sports, listening to music, spending time with friends, and eating crickets in lollipops. He was a proud member of the West Side, claiming until his death the love for his home at the San Juan Homes. Will soon met his best friend- William (Bill) Licea. The two sparked a life-long friendship. They spent all of their time together sneaking around in their teenage years and playing racquetball in adulthood. William dropped out of High School. He later joined the workforce and landed his first job reading electrical meters. At 18, he was so proud to obtain his GED from San Antonio College. Throughout his life, William learned many trades and skills working at Mr. Pencil, VIA, Gas Station Manager for Texaco, Shell, Quick Stuff, and other stores. In 2014, he obtained his Commercial Driver's License and spent several years driving for Dupre. In 2020, he decided to retire. Growing up, he was an avid member of his family church, Iglesia Cristiana. There, he participated in basketball, volleyball, softball, theatre, and musical performances. When he sang, his voice was angelic. It was there at church that William made some of his closest and dearest friends, Jesse and cousin, Diana Mendez. It was also at Iglesia that he met his future wife, Carolyn Esquivel. The two were married in 1992. William and Carolyn Mize gave birth to their first child, Micaela Ann Mize on October 22, 1996, and later to Troy William Mize on April 11, 2000. Excited with the birth of their children, William and Carolyn dedicated their lives to nurturing, supporting, and loving Micaela and Troy. William was an amazing father. He played with his children constantly, providing them with laughter and love. He was their greatest advocate, even when it came to convincing their mother that they should be allowed to watch Spongebob (he argued that he liked it too). He was a shy and quiet person when around many, but when with the ones he loved, he would express himself in beautiful ways. He was a confident man who expressed his care through listening. He was supportive, providing guidance, and understanding. He was a goofball, always finding a way to make you laugh, especially when you were feeling sad. He was truly a father figure, stepping into his first experiences of fatherhood with readiness, joy, and pride. His actions as a father did not stop with Micaela and Troy; his role extended to his nieces- Monica and Violet, and to their children. William enjoyed exercise, listening to music, singing, sports, culture, videography, and San Antonio history. In his later years, he spent most of his time riding his bike and recording what he saw and loved about our city. He enjoyed riding long distances, across San Antonio, as well as at the Mission Parks. Two of his favorites were Mission San Juan and Mission San Jose. He had dreams of becoming a park steward. In 2021, Will started a YouTube channel, 1DayInLife, a channel dedicated to documenting the people, architecture, and culture of San Antonio. He recorded using his GoPro while riding his bike throughout town, stopping to request to interview residents, and racing away from packs of dogs. William adored cycling frequently. On February 13, 2024, William was doing what he loved most, cycling. He rode through the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Trail, Mission San Juan. While on Graf Rd crossing S Presa he believed he was clear to cross but was tragically hit by a vehicle. William passed after impact at the age of 65. William is survived by his children, Micaela and Troy Mize, his sister, Wanda Martinez, and his nieces, Monica Mercado and Violet Delgado. As well as great nieces and one nephew. Additionally, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, an aunt, his best friends, William Licea (Bill), Daniel G. Belfort (Dan the Man), and Jesse Mendez (Jess). It is no surprise to many that San Antonio was not built with pedestrians and bicyclists in mind. In 2021, there were 294 reported bicycle accidents. William Mize’s death shows the urgent need for the city to continue to implement precautions and planning that will ensure we become a city safe for pedestrians. We, William’s family, ask that the San Antonio community share William’s story to bring light to this urgent and pressing issue. William’s family will continue his legacy by advocating and ensuring that roads on the southside become safe for bicyclists and pedestrians. We pledge to do this by working with the D3 office and continuing to fight and advocate for our community, just the way William would have wanted. To take action, please follow @mutualaid_sa on instagram to keep up with information and actions regarding making south side roads safe as well as additional information on bike and drivers safety.

Tributes

William Tracy Mize

October 15, 1958 - February 13, 2024