William Jefferson North, Jr. was born May 18, 1929, in Dallas, Texas to William Jefferson and Lillian Marjorie (Cooper) North . He graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1946 and was part of Texas A&M class of 1950. Bill served as a major in the air division of the United States Marine Corps where he realized his love of country and desire to serve. After the Marine Corps and Reserves, he became an Experimental Test Pilot at LTV where he was the Manager of the Manned Space Flight simulator. In this capacity, he trained the original astronauts of the Apollo Lunar Excursion.
Bill spent the next few years in sales and ended his professional career as a stock and commodities broker for Dillon Gage, located in Dallas.
Survived by: Betty North Quinn; children Gail Strickland and Barry, Nancy Marriott and Bobby, Neal North, Peggy Bureau and Rick, Sandy Trexler and fiance Greg Misenheimer; grandchildren Jared Strickland and Lisa, Bret Strickland and Miranda Alvarado, Jeff Strickland, Natalie Hamp and Alex, Andrew North, Ricky Bureau, Alexandra Bureau, Hunter Bureau, Michael Trexler, Cassandra Trexler, Christina Trexler; great granddaughters Erica Strickland, Caroline Hamp; and a host of wonderful family, friends and caregivers.
Visitation was Tuesday, June 11, 2013, from 6-8 at Byrum Funeral Home. Funeral services 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at First United Methodist Church in Lancaster. Interment in Waxahachie City Cemetery.
Bill had a tremendous love for people as reflected in the outpouring of love and support he received in his final years. His faith in God and love of country is the legacy he leaves behind in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
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