William Arthur North's Obituary
William (Bill) North, known by all as “Pawpaw”, was the only child of William and Lucille North born February 13, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away on December 9, 2014 surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Garland, Texas. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucille North; his in-laws, Marshall and Mary Ellis and Buck and Jo Houchin. In 1949, Bill and his parents relocated from Chicago to Bonham to begin a career in Construction. During the 1950’s, Bill managed the Red River Lane Bowling Alley. In the 60’s he proudly served as a fireman and met many dignitaries. Sam Rayburn and Lyndon B. Johnson introduced Bill as their good friend to many dignitaries including John F. Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Harry Truman, and Richard Nixon. During the 70’s he served in various law enforcement positions within the Bonham City Police Department and the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department. In the 80’s he joined Texas Instrument where he learned the design and repair of the emerging computer business. This led to establishing a consulting firm called “Computer Awareness”, that focused on customized design and maintenance of computers. In his retirement, he took up ornamental woodworking as a hobby. Bill and Allie took many cruises and traveled extensively with family and friends. The Paris vacation Bill won in a newspaper contest was one of their most memorable trips together. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Allie Ellis North; seven children, Lanne Houchin, Darla Holbert, Sharla Merrett, Bill North, Carl Presley, Donitta Cherry, Stacy Smith; four sons-in-law, Tom Holbert, Rex Merrett, Wes Cherry, Sam Smith; seventeen grandchildren, Anne, Lance, Hillary, Brandon, Christi, Trevor, Heather, Ashley, Brittany, Carla, Joel, Alex, Shelby, Tancy, Chasity, Alyssa, Kyle and two grand dogs: Poncho, Bubba; nineteen great-grandchildren, Bradley, Nathaniel, Peyton, DeAnna, Jordyn, Kendall, Mattox, Ava Grace, Allison, Braydyn, Kennedy, Amilia, Ryan, Kylee, Adam, Rocio, Hayden, Samuel, Gunner. The visitation for Bill will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at Restland Funeral Home. The funeral service for Bill will be at 03:00 PM on Friday, December 12, 2014 in The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75238 at Restland Road.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?