William Henry Justice Sr.'s Obituary
William Henry Justice Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather celebrated his entrance into heaven on August 13, 2009, at his home and in the presence of loved ones. He was born in Garvin County, Oklahoma, on September 27, 1912. His family moved to Norman, Oklahoma, in 1924 so that he, his four brothers, and two sisters could attend the University of Oklahoma. Bill Justice graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He received the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1935. He received the Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Houston in 1948. In 1930, he joined the ROTC and served in the field artillery reserves of the National Guard of Oklahoma until 1935, later also serving in the Texas Defense Guard. During his military career, he achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant and was honorably discharged in 1941. Though he was called to active duty by the Army, the Air Force overrode those orders because of his value as a production engineer in charge of the aviation fuel refinery in Drumwright, Oklahoma, where he served throughout World War II. His life was transformed forever at the age of sixteen when he received Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. For the next 80 years, he served faithfully in the church as leader, deacon, teacher, mentor, and encourager. He had a vision for the local church and world missions. His vision became a reality through personal participation in mission endeavors in foreign countries and through providing scholarships to literally hundreds of students at colleges and seminaries. He had a particular desire to help international students, for whom he provided many scholarships. His scholarship students serve around the world as preachers, educators, and missionaries. He has been honored by many educational institutions. Howard Payne University awarded him the Doctor of Law degree (honorary). Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary awarded him the B.H. Carroll Founders Award (equivalent to an honorary doctorate). He was a founding member of the Presidents Club at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. The Canadian Baptist Seminary, Cochrane, Canada, named a dormitory in his honor. Dallas Baptist University named the Sunset Terrace in his honor. In addition, he has been recognized by other entities. Bill Justice was known for his giving of self and resources. He served as an oil executive until his retirement in 1968. Upon his retirement from the secular oil industry, he served the Baptist Foundation of Texas as Manager of the Mineral Department. Upon his second retirement, he remained associated with the Baptist Foundation as a consultant. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Melba Lucas Justice, of almost 60 years. He is survived by his daughter, Melba Lee Justice McDow, Arlington, Texas; son, William Henry Justice Jr., Dallas, Texas; son, Allen Joel Justice, Harlingen, Texas; ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, with a third to be born this October. An appropriate expression for this servant of the Lord is, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Memorial gifts may be made to the William H. and Melba Justice Scholarship Fund at Dallas Baptist University, 300 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211.
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