William (Bill) W. Propp, 68, of Brentwood, Los Angeles, California passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2024.

Bill was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1956 to Allen and Johanne Propp. As a child, his family moved to Lakeland, FL where his father worked for Mobil Chemical Company. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1974 and pursued his degrees from Georgia Tech (Bachelor of Science in Physics, 1978) and University of Georgia Law School (J.D. degree, 1981). While at Georgia Tech, he was Student Body President his senior year (1977-1978). Bill was an attorney who passed the GA, CA and the US Patent Office Bars.

With his degrees accomplished, Bill built an impressive career in patent law and the entertainment industry that spanned over four decades. He served as a Patent Examiner for the US Patent and Trademark Office for 3 years, focusing on optical devices, lasers, light emitting diodes and semiconductor structures with secret security clearance. He then worked for Xerox Corporation's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) as patent counsel for 13 years covering special projects for the military, government and industry leaders. These experiences led him to a successful private practice where he continued to help inventors and corporations protect their innovations. During his career, he either examined or helped draft around a thousand patents.

Beyond these professional achievements, Bill was a passionate screenwriter and creative spirit who found joy in nurturing others' aspirations. His motto, "he liked to help dreamers dream," perfectly captured his approach to life. As a proud member of the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), he not only created his own stories and scripts, but generously supported fellow writers and producers.

After selling his first movie script, he was placed under contract to New Line Cinema from 1987 - 1989. Later, he had other scripts produced and provided legal help with everything from entertainment contracts, copyrights, IP protection and production finance. His insatiable love for classical music was a constant thread throughout his life, enriching both his creative pursuits and daily experiences.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Johanne Propp, and his brother Richard. He is survived by his brother Jim, sister Nancy, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces across the country. He will be remembered for his quick and vast intellect, sense of humor, creativity and caring nature. He will truly be missed and thought of often by family, friends and colleagues. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/william-propp/obituary/

Copy