William Clyde Raibourn

1929 - 2018

William Clyde Raibourn obituary, 1929-2018, Mc Gregor, TX

BORN

1929

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Riley Funeral Home

402 West Main

Hamilton, Texas

William Raibourn Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 3, 2018.

William Clyde Raibourn died peacefully at Providence Hospital on January 2, 2018 in Waco, Texas at the age of 88.
Clyde is survived by three children: Joe Raibourn and his wife, Kathy, of McGregor; Jay Raibourn of Waco; Lana Colvin and her husband, Marc, of Pearland. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Courtney Raibourn and his wife, Ashley, of China Springs; Laurie Johnson and her husband, Neil, of McGregor; Berkeley Colvin and Kennedy Colvin, both of Pearland. Surviving also are seven great grandchildren: Nathan, Emily, Will, and Lily Raibourn; and Austin Whiteside, Madison, and Liam Johnson. He is also survived by one sister, Edna Riley of Temple, TX. Clyde is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Iula Raibourn; six siblings: Charnie, Mildred, Alton, Aubrey Dean, Charlie Dee, and Vada; and his loving wife, Wanda Raibourn.

Clyde was born on July 4, 1929 in Hamilton, Texas to Edgar and Iula Raibourn. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1948. He was the first of the eight siblings to attend college. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1952 with a degree in Agricultural Education. He also completed his Masters of Education from Howard Payne University. He married Wanda Young, the love of his life, in 1953. They moved to Amarillo, Texas where Clyde was stationed as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air force. When he completed his military service in 1956, the couple moved back to Hamilton to start their family. His children remember him as a kind and gentle father who loved to laugh, tell stories, and play dominoes.
He loved his family and always sought to set an example for them and encouraged them in pursuit of their goals.

Clyde was a dedicated educator. He began his teaching career in Pottsville, Texas where he coached High School girls' basketball for one year. In 1957, he joined the faculty of Hamilton High School where he taught varying levels of math for 15 years until his promotion to High School Principal in 1972. As a teacher, students remember him to be patient and kind. Countless students recall stories of how much he helped them understand math and how kind and funny he was in the classroom. In 1975, he was promoted to Superintendent of Hamilton Schools. Faculty members remember the same kindness and understanding that he offered them as a boss and mentor. Clyde was an active and dedicated member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton until he moved from Hamilton following the death of his wife, Wanda, in 1995. He was a servant and often volunteered for United Care in Hamilton and Meals on Wheels in McGregor, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hamilton United Care at PO Box 212, Hamilton, TX 76531. The family would like to thank Providence Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff for their care, comfort, and dedication during a difficult time.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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January 8, 2018

Steve Wigington

Offering prayers for peace and comfort in this difficult time. I remember Mr. Raibourn well and always had the utmost respect for him. I am very sorry for your loss.

January 6, 2018

Barry Wilkerson

One of the best teachers at HHS. Had hin TWICE a day my senior year for Physics and Advanced Math. He always groaned when the same people came in the second time. He taught us meteorology and fence building (vectoring) which still helps me understand what the weather guy is not saying. My thoughts are with his family. He will be missed, mainly by us old farts.

January 5, 2018

You were one of the best teacher in HHS. You've run the race and what a legacy you leave! Rest in God's arms. Praying for the family at this time. Debbie Sauer

January 5, 2018

Ava Knapek

My thoughts are with the Raibourn family and the loss of a wonderful person and role model.

January 4, 2018

Frankye Bennett Emch

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 4, 2018

Joe & Linda Lee

Mr Raibourn was an outstanding educator and role model. He had a servant's heart. Condolences to the family. RIP, sir....Class of 1960 HHS.

January 4, 2018

JOHN ISENSEE

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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