W.L. "Bill" Whitis' Obituary
W. L. "Bill" Whitis went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 1, 2013. He was born February 11, 1926 in Marshall, Texas, the youngest of four children born to Ralph and Gertrude Whitis. He graduated from Marshall High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Collette. He worked as a machinist and foreman for Texas Eastman for 37 years. After his retirement, Bill enjoyed woodworking, bee-keeping, gardening, and was widely known for his antique clock repair.
On November 26, 1954, Bill married Ouida Faye Howell Bright, his best friend and love of his life. He was a member of Mobberly Baptist Church for over 50 years and belonged to the Open Door Sunday School Class. They have been a great blessing to Bill and Faye over the years.
Bill is survived by his wife, Faye, four sons, Bill and Jan Whitis of Marshall, Billy Michael Bright of Longview, Ralph and Tamsie Whitis of Longview, Hal and Angie Whitis of Longview, and daughter, Becky Bryan of Center. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great, great-grandchildren.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Willard Whitis, Franklin Whitis, and sister, Elise Whitis Calhoun, and grandson, Matthew Bryan.
Funeral services will be Friday, July 5, 2013 at Rader Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 3:30 PM with services at 4:00 PM followed by graveside services at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bill T. Whitis, Kyle Whitis, Larry Lancaster, Ralph Vetter, Wayne Moseley and Billy Steele.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Bill's name be made to the charity of your choice.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to Whispering Pines Nursing Home for their special care of Bill and to Wayne Moseley for his help and support.
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