Percy James Wyant's Obituary
Percy James "Jim" Wyant, 79, of Longview joined his lord and savior Jesus
Christ on Sunday, January 29, 2006. Jim was born on April 22, 1926 to Percy
and Louise Wentz Wyant in St. Mary's, West Virginia. Jim grew up in
Harlingen, Texas where he was active in many service organizations,
including the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle. After
graduating high school in 1943, Jim served in the Merchant Marine on tankers
in the North Atlantic during the last years of World War II. He graduated
from the University of Texas in 1949 and worked in the shipping and
construction industries in Port Isabel and Harlingen.
Jim moved with his wife and children to Longview in 1964, to pursue a career
as a real estate professional. The Wyant family joined of First Presbyterian
Church where Jim served as a Sunday School Teacher, a Deacon, and Elder and
Trustee. As a founding board member, Jim was instrumental in organizing the
Longview chapter of Habitat for Humanity and was a former member of the
Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. After retirement, Jim and Anne volunteered driving
for Meals on Wheels and as readers in the Adopt A School program at South
Ward elementary.
Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be
remembered for his kindness, generosity and gentle nature. He loved
children, birds, flowers and enjoyed good food.
Jim is survived by his wife Anne Noell Wyant, children Sally Rathbun, Mike
Wyant, Julia Wyant and Carolyn Saathoff. Sons-in-law Casey Rathbun, John
Simboli, Don Saathoff and daughter-in-law Jane Wyant. Grandchildren Noell
Rathbun, Kathryn and Sara Beth Wyant, Vincent and Luke Simboli, and Jillian
Saathoff. Sister Jane and brother - in-law Alan Todd and their children
Charles, Bryan and Karen Todd. His niece Kathleen Tune and her brothers Jim
and John Fitzgerald and sister Betty Ann Fitzgerald. Jim was preceded in
death by his father Percy Wyant, mother Louise W. Lawrence and sister Betty
and brother-in-law Milton Fitzgerald. The family would like to thank Dr.
Rangu, the professional, caring staff at Alpine House Assisted Living and
the Southern Care Hospice team, plus sitters Christina Oliver and Jo Davis.
Memorial gifts may be sent to Longview Habitat for Humanity or First
Presbyterian Church Building fund.
Visitation will be tonight at Rader Funeral Home 5:30-7pm and memorial
service at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday February 1, 2006 at
10:00am with Rev. Jonathan Jehorek and Dr. W. D. O'Neal officiating.
What’s your fondest memory of Percy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Percy?
Share a story where Percy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Percy you’ll never forget.
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