William Wallace Christian Sr.

1934 - 2021

Surrounded by family, William "Bill" Wallace Christian, Sr. entered eternal life with his Creator on July 11, 2021. Born in Tallulah, Louisiana to Moss and Opal Christian in 1934, Bill was the proud brother of Merlin and John and excelled in football, fishing, scouting, and pulling practical jokes. Bill's mischievous, fun-loving nature continued throughout his life and was loved by all who knew him. After graduating from Tallulah High School, Bill attended Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1956. He became a Registered Petroleum Engineer. Bill married his high school sweetheart and life partner, Sybil Russ, in 1952, and they built a beautiful life together, raising four children and serving the Lord at First Baptist Lafayette for over 45 years. Working for Halliburton Company for his entire career, Bill invested heavily in relationships with colleagues and clients. Known for his deep devotion to God and the Christian life, he always had a Bible on his desk and often prayed with others during their challenging times. Bill offered support and Godly wisdom while simultaneously earning awards and accolades for his work in the oil industry. Affectionately known as "Papaw" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Bill valued family and endeavored his entire life to form special family bonds and create thousands of memories with his wife and children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A love of God's creation inspired him to travel with Sybil to dozens of national parks around the country and hit the greens and wet a fishing line as often as he could. From organizing summer family reunions to creating special holiday memories and attending the graduations and weddings of his grandchildren, Bill inspired a profound love of family for generations to come. More than any other accomplishment, however, Bill would want you to know that his love for God and the Good News of Jesus Christ was the most important priority of his life. He facilitated evangelism training and outreach and taught men's Sunday School classes for over 40 years. He loved gospel music and spent countless hours singing hymns, his favorite song being "In the Garden" by C. Austin Miles. Recognizing that one of the best ways to follow Jesus' example is to love people well and meet their practical and spiritual needs, Bill looked for opportunities every day to share a word of encouragement to others. While Bill is profoundly missed, the family takes comfort knowing that he is walking and talking with his beloved Heavenly Father, a joyous reunion he has been anticipating and celebrating his entire adult life. Bill's memory and legacy are carried on by his wife of nearly 69 years, Sybil Russ Christian; his children, Karen Christian Kaplowitz (Jerry), Rev. Bill Christian, Jr. (Carla), Rev. Elizabeth "Liz" Christian Leggett (Tim), and Rev. Dr. Bob Christian (Debbie); 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and innumerable extended family and friends. Mr. Christian's Celebration of Life/Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 17 at First Baptist Church, Lafayette, 1100 Lee Ave. Visitation is to be held 9:00 a.m until 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers are the beloved grandchildren of "Papaw." Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of First Baptist Church, of which Mr. Christian was a Lifetime Deacon. Burial Service will follow at Fountain Memorial. The family expresses appreciation to the staff of Camelot Brookside Care Facility and Lamm Family Care Hospice for the compassionate care given to "Mr. Bill." In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to FBC Faith Evangelism, P. O. BOX 3888, Lafayette, Louisiana 70502. Personal condolences may be sent to the Christian family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.