William Russell Dexter II's Obituary
William (Bill) Russell Dexter II, age 82, of Longview Texas, was called home to God’s warm embrace on January 16, 2016. He was our beloved husband, dad, poppa, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker, neighbor, Sunday school class teacher, and wonderful child of God.
Bill was born in Independence, Missouri on May 15, 1933 to Paul Eugene and Eliza Hedrick Dexter. He was the middle son of older brother Paul and younger brother Jim. A sister, Dorothy, joined the family after the death of his mother, and his dad’s marriage to Deanne Reagan. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956 domestically and abroad, and then with help from the G.I. Bill he graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in Industrial Psychology.
He married Mary Ann McCluhan in 1956 and they began their lifetime partnership as parents with the birth of Dee Anna in 1957 and Mike in 1960. Bill worked in a variety of positions with a number of organizations in Personnel and Human Resources. He was strong advocate for working people throughout his diverse career. He dearly loved his family and so cherished the time spent with them, extended family, and friends. He was lifetime learner of Biblical teachings and worked to share his faith with others in all he did. He was a great lover of music and would share that with others often – particularly the opening of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Truly now…his eyes have seen the Glory!
Bill and Mary Ann relocated to Longview in 1990 where Bill became the Human Resources Director for Gregg County. They enjoyed many wonderful years here before and after retirement. They are members of First United Methodist Church of Longview and the Henry Foster Sunday School Class where Bill was a frequent teacher.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, his daughter Dee Anna Dexter-Wright and her husband Randy of Melbourne, Florida, grandchild Noah and his wife Tamsin of Melbourne, great-granchildren Ruby and Scarlet. Also by son Mike and his wife Necia of Plano, Texas, and grandchildren Erin Dexter of Washington DC, and Allison Dexter of Atlanta, Georgia. Brother Jim Dexter and wife Patricia of Osage Beach, Missouri, and sister Dorothy Allen of Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Asbury House Child Enrichment Center in Longview, Texas.
Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of Bill’s life at First United Methodist Church of Longview on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Visitation will be at 1PM and the service will follow at 2PM.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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