William J. "Bill" Stemme AAF

 

Bill Stemme was President of the Allied Florists of Houston in 1962-1963 and was awarded the Buddy Benz Award in 1983.  He is also a member of the American Academy of Floriculture.

Bill received a degree in horticulture from Mississippi State University and came to Houston in 1954.  He worked for Joe Blanton (AFH President 1950-1951 and Benz recipient 1993) of Blanton Niday in 1958.  The shop was previously owned by Hannah Niday. Bill and his partner Jim Jensen (1985 Benz recipient) purchased Blanton Niday in 1960.  In 1985, SCI (Service Core International) purchased Blanton Niday and Bill retired.

Bill spends his time volunteering with Stone Soup, which offers food and supplies to AIDS/HIV patients.

Bill's favorite memory of AFH is when Bob Weatherford of Southern Floral Company would pitch a tent in the parking lot and have a huge BBQ.  He also has fond memories of Buddy Benz and helping students referred to him by Jim Johnson AAF AIFD TMFA to earn money over the Summer to attend Fall classes at the Benz School of Floral Design.


Article by Nora Cisneros TMFA

Read more about Bill & Jim at Bill Stemme and Jim Jensen