William Major Greene

Funeral services for William Major Greene, 80, of Lufkin, will be held Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Lufkin with Reverend Mark A. Newton officiating and Taylor Greene, son, Eulogist.  Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

          Major was born on November 17, 1937 to William Leroy and Dorothy Wilkerson Greene in Tyler, Texas.  He passed peacefully from this life into his heavenly home surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at the PineCrest Retirement Community in Lufkin, Texas.

          Major graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, Texas in 1956. Following high school, he played running back for Hall of Fame quarterback and coach Sammy Baugh at Hardin-Simmons University. He later finished his education at Stephen F. Austin State University.

          Major served two terms in the U.S. Army. First when he enlisted and was honorably discharged. Later, as a member of the National Guard, he was called to active duty during the Bay of Pigs crisis in the early 1960’s when he again honorably served his country.

          After moving to Lufkin, he met Claudia LaNell Lalumandier and they were united in marriage on November 24, 1960. He worked in the insurance business in Lufkin for many years.

          Major was an active member of Lufkin’s First Baptist Church for almost 60 years. He served the Lord there in numerous capacities including Chairman of the Deacons, Trustee, Sunday School Director and was an enthusiastic participant in the Music Ministry. He loved to hunt and fish with his son and grandsons, but his happiest times were on trips to the mountains or beach that included his entire family. Along with his faith, his grandchildren were the center of his life for the last 30 years. He traveled far and wide to support his grandchildren at countless dance recitals, Panther Pride and Kilgore Rangerettes Drill Team performances, baseball tournaments, and football games.

          He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Claudia LaNell Greene; daughter and son-in-law, Deidre and Patrick Oates of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Taylor and Amy Greene of Cypress; and grandchildren, Casey Oates Adams and husband Matthew, Clark Oates, Jackson Greene, and Ross Greene.

          Pallbearers will be Clark Oates, Jackson Greene, Ross Greene, Matthew Adams, Bruce Bain, and Dr. Ed Domingue.

          Honorary pallbearers are Roy Cates, Ardie Dixon, Roger Parker, Burl Richardson and his fellow Deacons at Lufkin’s First Baptist Church.

          Memorial contributions may be made to Lufkin’s First Baptist Church Building Fund, 106 East Bremond, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

          The family will receive friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Carroway Funeral Home.

          Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. 

          Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors

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