William Ray Stambaugh, better known by family and friends as Bill Stambaugh, was born on February 5, 1940 to Orval Ray Stambaugh and Anna Bell (Miller) Stambaugh. The family resided in the town of Celina, Texas, until they moved to Howe, Texas.
Pre-deceasing Bill, were his Father, Mother, brothers Sam and James Morgan, eldest daughter Virginia Raylyne Stambaugh, and grandchildren Joshua Hawkins, Bradley Mayo, Jacob Hawkins, and Micah Hawkins.
Surviving family members include his wife, Barbara Virginia (Foster) Stambaugh; brothers Pat and Joe Lee Stambaugh; sister Reba and husband Larry Ulmer; daughters Tina Cox and husband Robert, and Shellie Waller; grandchildren Lucas Hawkins and wife Melissa, Joshua Stambaugh, Sarah Underwood and Rodney, Ariana Burger Renfro and Eric , and Bradley Skaggs.
Surviving Great grandchildren include Briana, Brandon, and Victoria Stapleton, Lysell Hawkins, Callie Fikes, Brentley Martin, Lane Underwood, Rylan Burger and Hadley Renfro.
While students at Howe High School, Bill met and dated his future bride, Barbara Foster. Their marriage followed on October 7, 1956, and lasted for 65 years until God called Bill home on the morning of October 22, 2021. God blessed their union with a legacy that continues in the lives of the children who Bill helped to nurture.
Bill was a 50 Year member of the Masonic Lodge. He began his membership with the Howe Masonic Lodge where he was a past Master. When the Howe Lodge closed, he moved his membership to the Mantua Masonic Lodge in Van Alstyne, Texas.
Those that have known Bill throughout his life in Howe, remember him best for his tenure as a supervisor at Johnson and Johnson, where he eventually retired prior to the plant closing. Many past J&J alumni have made it a point to tell family members how Bill was the best supervisor they ever had. He made many friends throughout his lifetime and made it a point to be there for those who needed help. He was also a tough negotiator, but a fair man, who honored whatever commitments he made to others, and expected the same in return.
After retirement, he spent his mornings, and some afternoons, at the Howe Exxon, drinking coffee, socializing with his friends, and meeting new people. When in town, his brother Joe Lee Stambaugh would join him.
William Ray Stambaugh will be missed by many. Rest in Peace and God bless your soul. But do not fret for the family you have left behind to go to your reward. They are strong, resilient, and dependable …. a product of your support, patience, and guidance. You will be missed, and never forgotten.
Family night will be held on Monday, October 25, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM at Waldo Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, October 26th at 2:00PM at the Hall Cemetery in Howe.
You may sign the online register book at waldofuneralhome.com