William Jack Tanton Jr.

William Jack Tanton Jr., passed away Monday June 26, 2017.  He was born to William Jack Tanton Sr. and Edith Adaway on January 16, 1949 in Silsbee, Texas.

William spent his career as a Boilermaker and Welder at the local refineries. He also owned a Fish Market during his life. William was very mechanically inclined.  Taking care of his family was something that was very important to William. He was a protector and advocate for children.  Cooking was an activity that he really enjoyed. His beans and rice were one of the family favorites. Watching old westerns and listening to country songs was a repeated enjoyment for William, no matter how many re-runs of old movies he watched, he loved them each time. Fishing and hunting were also past times that William enjoyed with his grandchildren. Setting those trotlines will be a memory shared for years to come.  One could also catch William and Gladys at the casinos enjoying the excitement. William never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went, especially during his travels while hunting for his favorite,  fenton glass.

William was married to his beloved wife, Gladys, for 34 wonderful years. During their life together, they have raised children and have enjoyed the gift of grandchildren. He was known as Paw Paw and was loved very much. William will be missed by all who loved him but his legacy will continue.

Left to honor his memory is his loving wife of 34 years, Gladys Baker Tanton of Kountze TX; daughter, Regina Miller of Kountze, TX; step-daughter, Michelle Miller of Kountze, TX; grandchildren Haley, Megan, Gavan, and Trent; sisters; Valerie, Rachael, Linda and Elaine; and several nieces, extended family and friends. 

Preceding William in death are his sisters, Judy Phillips, Debra Elmore, Betty Pixley; brothers, Claude Tanton, and John Henry Tanton.

Visitation with family and friends will be 5:00- 7:00 pm, Thursday June 29, 2017 at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 South Main, Lumberton, TX. William's life honoring service will be 2:00 pm., Friday June 30, 2017, also at the funeral home, officiated by Arthur Lee Crawford.  Internment at Rest Haven Cemetery in Silsbee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers are Sam Elmore, Dewayne West, Wayne Miller, John Mark Jeffcoat, Johnathan Brumley, Ernest Raymoore, Trent Miller, Gavan Miller and Colin Brumley.