William Raymond Pharr

William Raymond "Bill" Pharr passed away on October 10, 2016 at the age of 72.   Preceded in death by Oliver Ervin Pharr (Father) and Frances Ester Bender Pharr (Mother).

Bill was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston.   He received a BBA degree from SHSU and upon graduation volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corp. and proudly served his coutnry as an officer in the Viet Nam War.

After his discharge, he held positions in accounting, sales and as an entrepreneur.

Bill is survived by his wife Barbara Ann Mitchell Pharr, son, Douglas Aaron Pharr, daughters Debra Kay Pharr Johnson and Wendy Leeann Mitchell along with brothers, Oliver Ervin Pharr Jr. and Ronald Thomas Pharr and sister, Linda Kay Pharr Fulks.

Bill will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8701 Almeda Genoa in Houston.

A Marines Final Inspection

The Marine stood and faced God Which must always come to pass

He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward Marine, How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"

The Marine squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't

Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough,

And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,

And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here,

They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand,

I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod

As the Marine waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward Marine, You've borne your burdens well,

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell."

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