William Raymond Carman's Obituary
William Raymond Carman, 91 of Garland, TX, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Carrollton, Texas. William was born on October 9, 1930, in Tucumcari, New Mexico to Charles Brents Carman & Elva Helena Alsdorf. He married his bride of 67 years, Eleanor Wayne Ross, on September 1, 1952, in Rocksprings, TX. They had four children.
"Bill", as he was known to most, was such a kindhearted, giving person. He never met a stranger and if you allowed him to, he would talk with you until the sun went down. Born in Tucumcari, New Mexico he was 1 of 6 children. Bill’s mother passed away when he was just 6 years old, this was very hard on him. His Grandma Alsdorf stepped in and helped raise him while a young child. When he became a little older, he moved to Uvalde, Texas and was raised by his Aunt Vangie and Uncle Calvin Gray. He helped them with various things such as repairing roofs, digging post holes in caliche dirt, working on the family’s ranch while growing up & raising 4H calves, taking 3rd place with several. Bill participated in the school band where he played trombone, he also held various jobs. He went on to graduate from Uvalde High School, where he and Eleanor attended several High School Reunions throughout their later years. At just 19 Bill then joined the US Marine Corps and served from 1950 until the end of 1951 and was a soldier in the Korean War. He was always proud to have served his country and had many stories to tell of his adventures during war time. After an honorable discharge, he then met Eleanor at church in Uvalde and had a short courtship before marrying at the Rocksprings, Texas Church of Christ in 1952. He was called back from inactive duty to service in the Marine Corps Reserves where he participated for 6 years.
They made their first home in an apartment that was over a 3-stall mechanic’s garage. Bill and Eleanor lived in Uvalde where Bill worked for JC Penney and attended Southwest Texas Junior College on the GI Bill. Eleanor was later expecting their first child. They moved so Bill could further his education at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas earning a teaching degree. They then moved back to Uvalde where they purchased their first house and Bill began teaching high school for several years as well as doing extra work needed in the local Post Office. He was offered another teaching position in Del Rio, Texas so packed up and moved where he continued teaching high school and doing janitorial services there after hours for additional pay. Several years after realizing that he and 2 other good friends who were also teachers, could not make a decent living on the wages they were earning. They all decided to go into the Insurance business together, which led to other paths within the industry for Bill. He had many professions ranging from schoolteacher, newspaper manager, merchandising rep., and insurance sales. Moving to Garland, Texas in 1979, he began working at Control Data Corporation where later he took early retirement due to the company’s reorganization. At this time, he was able to care for his sister-in-law, Nancy Jean Ross, at his and Eleanor’s home in Garland after she suffered a stroke. He selflessly took on much of her care as Eleanor was still working. Bill was a Godly man and an active member of Buckingham Rd Church of Christ since 1979. He was involved in many church activities until it became physically impossible for him to participate. Bill was a cat person and found it relaxed him caring for several furry friends throughout the years, the cat whisperer he humorously called himself at times. Bill volunteered at the Dallas VA hospital for numerous years and dedicated over 1500 hours of his own time. He was a handyman and could fix mostly anything. At the Dallas VA hospital, there was always something to be repaired and Bill was one of the first to volunteer his services, he always enjoyed a challenge. He spoke often at the local high schools encouraging students who had an interest in the Marines. He shared his stories of War Times and almost always got a standing ovation. Bill will greatly be missed by many for his kindness, dedication and unconditional love and friendship. Without him, the world will no longer be as bright as it once was.
Preceded in Death by: Parents Charles and Elva Carman, brothers Ralph Carman (wife Billie), Charles Carman (wife Jeri), Robert Wagstaff (wife JoAnn) his sister Christine Carman, daughter in-law Hilary Carman, son-in-law Hartford Hudson Jr., and his beautiful bride of 67 years, Eleanor.
Survived by: Son – William Ross Carman - Lacy, WA, Daughters - Janice Lynn Watkins (Richard) of Crowley, TX, Nancy Lee Stanley (Paul) of Chatsworth, GA, Tracy Jean Gibbs-Hudson of Plano, TX; Sister Bonnie Jean Sheppard (Charles) of San Antonio, TX.
Grandchildren/Great-Grandchildren: Will Carman (Teri) children Isaiah & Daniel of Altus, OK: Drew Carman (Tephanie) children Trenton & Jaylee of Altus, OK; Tiffany Mcclary (Mike) children Allison, Tyler & Julann of Richmond Hill, GA; Alisha Wendell (Chris) children Avalynn & Clayton of Weatherford, TX; Julianna Watkins of Crowley, TX; Madalyn Stanley of Chattanooga, TN; Dylan Stanley of Atlanta, GA; C. Kameron Gibbs (Jessica) children Tristan & Carter of Lewisville, TX; Meredith Gibbs-Stovall (Wren) children Sloan & Sutton of Carrollton, TX. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Restland's Memorial Chapel in Dallas, TX – A Military Honors ceremony will be held later in October at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.
The Family would like to thank the staff of Vitas Hospice, Dallas, TX as well as director, Matthew Gerleman and many staff members at the Avalon Memory Care in Carrollton, Texas. We thank you for loving our father and taking such good care of him these last several years. With your help, he was able to live his remaining years with pride and dignity. Thank you all for allowing him the joy of feeling loved.
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