Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Lt. Col. William L. DeVaughan
1943 - 2018
Lt. Col. William L. DeVaughan
1943 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
Lt. Col. William DeVaughan Obituary
He is survived by his sons, Alan (Lynne) DeVaughan and Colin DeVaughan of St. Louis, Mo.; and grandchildren, Mark DeVaughan and Amy DeVaughan.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Sherrow DeVaughan of Alexandria, Va.; and half sister, Ida Jo Rimes of Wilsonville, Ala.
Bill earned degrees from both Davidson College (B.S., Chemistry) and Vanderbilt University (M.A., Sociology), and then traveled the globe in his capacity as a Chemical Officer in the U.S. Army. He earned many decorations, including a Bronze Star during his tour in Vietnam in the early 1970s. After retiring from military service in the late 1980s, he returned to North Carolina and was active with multiple veterans groups, including his local VFW chapter and Rolling Thunder. He made multiple trips to visit his fallen brothers and sisters at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., and wrote extensively on issues affecting veterans.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at 2 p.m., at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville. Lt. Col. DeVaughan will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Welcome Home Veterans in Mooresville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Bob Gaines
December 18, 2023
Well, old friend, it's now exactly 5 years since you went to Valhalla. We were good friends for 58 years, but I sure wish it could have lasted longer. I miss our conversations and your laser quick wit! This is maybe the last photo I have of you (and me and Tony). Run free Willem! You deserve it!
Bob Gaines
December 17, 2021
Tomorrow is the 3rd anniversary of your passing, Willem! Still miss you and your quick wit and your razor sharp observations on life!
Claire Staley
January 16, 2019
RIP Bill. For your service to the country, for your understanding, and for your commitment to help other Veterans in need. I still have a pice of the Berlin Wall you have me when I was a child.
You will be missed.
God Speed.
Love, Claire
Gil Boen
January 12, 2019
Bill was a steadfast patriot and loyal friend, and another casualty of the Vietnam War. His name must go on The Wall in Washington. Few of his comrades endured more pain for a longer time than did Colonel DeVaughn. Rest in peace, sir.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home
January 2, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Bob Gaines
December 30, 2018
My oldest and most steadfast friend of over 53 years, that must be some homecoming in Valhalla with all your Vietnam Vet buddies! No more hospital bed - run free, Willem!
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
705 Davie Ave, Statesville, NC 28677
Make a Donation
in Lt. Col. William DeVaughan's name
How to support Lt. Col. William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lt. Col. William DeVaughan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
