James Dwight Wardlaw's Obituary
James Dwight Wardlaw, "Wardlaw", 85, of Longview died June 18, 2017 after succumbing to injuries sustained from a vehicular accident. A graveside memorial service will be held at Hallsville Cemetery, Wednesday, June 21 at 10:00am; and a visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Tuesday June 20, from 6pm-8pm. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Boland, Russell Shoulders, Billy Melton, Andy Nichols, T.J. Adams, and Rex Gatlin.
James was born April 10, 1932 in McCaskill, Arkansas. After graduating high school, he began a career in the U.S. Air Force that lasted 20 years. During that time, James met the love of his life, Berta Ross, while stationed in Germany. After retiring from the military, James spent many years as a mechanic. He enjoyed NASCAR, gardening, and fishing.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Cleo Wardlaw; and his wife of 58 years, Betty Wardlaw. He is survived by his three children, Rose Meyer and husband Clark of Colorado, Trisha Vaught and husband Craig of Arkansas, and Jimmy Wardlaw of Houston; his six grandchildren, Heather Nelson and husband Jed, Shelley Spear and husband Will, Daniel Vaught and wife Summer, Christopher Vaught and wife Melissa, John Ross Wardlaw and Chrystal Arnold; as well as multiple great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or www.heart.org.
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