Bill J. Tolbert

SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at First Christian Church in Miami, Texas, with Rev. Tom Stribling, minister at the United Methodist Church of Happy, Texas and Billy Holland, minister at First Christian Church of Miami, officiating. BURIAL: Miami Cemetery with military honors courtesy of the U. S. Army, Fort Hood, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.BIOGRAPHY: Bill was born July 20, 1923 in Miami to Joe and Alpha Tolbert. He was a 1942 graduate of Miami High School and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1946 with a degree in Animal Science. He married Margaret Durrett in 1947. He was in the grain storage business for 38 years and began ranching during that time, eventually ranching full time. "The Ranch" was his passion in life which he operated until his death. During World War II he served in the 87th Division of the infantry in Europe ending up in the Battle of the Bulge. He received several medals including the Purple Heart. He was a member of the National Cattlemen's Association, Panhandle Grain Association, Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and served as a director for Texas Cattle Feeders Association. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Miami and was deacon emeritus.SURVIVORS: wife: Margaret of the home; 1 daughter: Pat Peirce and husband Joe of Miami; 2 brothers: Jim Tolbert and wife Janie of Miami and George Tolbert and wife Mary Jo of Ft. Worth; 2 sisters: Ina Seuhs of Miami and Mary Wold and husband Ted of Arlington, Washington; 3 granddaughters: Kimbra Phillips and husband Matt of Elgin, Kara McClendon and husband Ike of Miami and Kate Miller and husband Jeff of Lubbock; 2 great grandchildren: Kyler and Konnar McClendon of Miami; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; 1 daughter: Betty Lou Tolbert in 1971; 2 sisters: Blanche Osborne and Lola Simpson. MEMORIALS: First Christian Church of Miami, P.O. Box 216, Miami, Texas 79059; The Opportunity Plan, P.O. Box 1035, Canyon, Texas 79015-1035; or your favorite charity.