William Estell "Bill" Vaughan, Jr.

William Estell “Bill” Vaughan, Jr. was born July 10, 1925 in Wilkins Switch, an area between Gladewater and Big Sandy, Texas, to William Estell, Sr. and Francis Landers Vaughan. He is the last of their five children, he passed away December 23, 2019 surrounded by family.
He graduated from Big Sandy high school when there were only 11 grades. He was a Navy Veteran of WWII, serving abord the USS Buoyant, an Admirable Class Minesweeper.
Bill retired from Texas Eastman, Petro-Lewis Old Company, and Big Sandy Independent School District.
Bill was a 65-year Mason and Past Master of Big Sandy Lodge #916, before it’s consolidation with Bethesda Lodge #142 in Gilmer and Past Master of Hawkins Lodge #1293 and member of Ore City Lodge #1364 A.F. & A.M. He was a member of the Longview Chapter & Council and Longview Commandry. He was a member of Gilmer Chapter #355, Winnsboro #967, Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan even in the not so good years.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Wanda, daughters, Patt Stegall and husband Doug, Pam Dean and husband Haskel of Big Sandy, Peggy Saxon and husband Kevin of Rosewood. Son Kenneth Vaughan of Big Sandy and Daughter-in-law Katie Vaughan of Mountain View, Arkansas. Sisters-in-law, Lois Humphries and Husband Bill, Margaret Richardson, Glenda Weaver and Karen Hanson and husband Dean all of Tyler, 21 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his son William Estell Vaughan III.
Pallbearers are grandsons Dustin Dean, Rick Hamberg, Franklin Hartman. Joel Mark, Chase Stegall, Brayden Roberts, and Blake Hamberg. Honorary Pallbearers are the members of the Bethesda Masonic Lodge #142 A.F.& A.M.
Funeral service for Bill will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gilmer with Leonard Riley officiating, interment to follow at Hoover Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, December 30, 2019 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Croley Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children; https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc