William James Splawn, Sr.
SANTA FE, TX “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor 4:16-18
William “Bill” James Splawn, husband of Marion McKinley Splawn, departed this life on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at age 83. A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Friday, February 6, at 11:00am at Hayes Funeral Home Chapel, Hitchcock, TX. Visitation will be held just prior to the service at 10:00am. Officiating will be his son, Pastor Alan Splawn. Interment with military honors will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock.
Honoring Bill as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Keith Splawn, Chris Splawn, Wesley Splawn, Jeffrey Splawn, Andrew Splawn, Joshua Splawn, and Jeremy Splawn.
Bill was born on Nov. 29, 1925 in Prairieville, TX to his late parents Joseph Case Splawn and Ethel Coy Splawn. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Richard Splawn and sister, Mrs. Merle Stevenson. He is survived by his brother, Horace Glenn Splawn of La Marque, TX, and sisters, Mrs. Elsie West of Trezevant, TN and Mrs. Hazel Stevenson of Garland, TX. Bill graduated from Dickinson High School in 1944 and immediately entered military service in the U.S. Army infantry and fought in the Battle of the Bulge at age 19. He was awarded the Bronze Star and other military commendations. Bill married Marion McKinley, June 25, 1948. They have three sons and daughters-in-law, William “Dub” and his wife, Pam of Paris, TX, Don and his wife, Tammy of Hot Springs, AR, and Alan and his wife, Karen of Conroe, TX.
Bill was characterized by his faithful and loyal servant’s heart. His passion was to serve his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ and others in such a way that God got the glory, others received the credit and he had the joy of serving. This was evident in his service as a deacon in the Baptist church, his work with volunteer Christian builders, his 30 years at Union Carbide and his devotion to his wife and family.
Bill is survived by Marion, his faithful loving wife of 60 years, his sons, grandsons serving as pallbearers, and grandchildren, Jessica Webb, Rachel and Katie Splawn, and Matthew Overton. Bill also had four great-grandchildren, Seth, Todd and Megan Splawn and Molly Paige Webb.
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