William Ray Pemberton, 79, of Commerce, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, February 14, 2020. He was born on February 3, 1941 in Hunt County Texas, the son of William Jap Pemberton and Thelma Bell Molder Pemberton. The family will receive friends at a visitation to take place Monday evening, February 17, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Commerce Funeral Home. The funeral will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Klondike.
William spent his first several years in Commerce, attending Commerce High School. Shortly after high school, he enlisted with the Army National Guard. He faithfully served for five years and was honorably discharged in 1969. Following the service, William went to work first for American Wood Products, then Manatee Homes, a manufactured home construction company in Commerce. He then worked for Sherwood, which produced medical supplies. He retired after 23 years with the company. After retirement, he drove a school bus for Commerce ISD, retiring after five years. William married the love of his life, Mary Ella Stunkard, on August 26, 1971 in Scatter Branch, Texas. Together, they attended the First Assembly of God Church in Cooper, Texas. William was quite an accomplished woodworker. Over the years he created unique pieces of furniture, such as quilt racks and a pie safe. He enjoyed giving away his creations.
William is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary; his children, Teresa Stone and Sid Pemberton and wife, Michelle; grandchildren, Philip Weise, Michael Weise and Troy Pemberton, along with several nieces and nephews.
Preceding William in death were his parents, Jap and Thelma Pemberton and a sister, Martha Little.
Serving as pallbearers for William are Gene Foster, Dwight King, Perry Pannel, Sid Pemberton and Glen Stone. Serving as an honorary pallbearer is Jessie Hines.
The family requests that rather than flowers, please give a donation in William’s memory to the missions ministry at First Assembly of God Church, 54 Hwy 24 Byp, Cooper, Texas 75432.
