William Baxter Colbert Sr.

1929 - 2008
William Baxter Colbert, Sr., died surrounded by his loving family on March 7, 2008 at Western Wake Hospital in Cary, NC.
Baxter was born in Lexington, VA on June 19, 1929 to Reid Preston Colbert and Sarah R. Nicholas Colbert. The eldest of four children, he attended Lylburn Downing High School where he played football and baseball. Following high school, he served in the United States Army. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Germany where he was a Supply Clerk and a member of the Transportation Unit of the Military Police. After his discharge, he worked at the Jersey Seashore and used his GI Bill at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where he majored in Accounting and Business Management. During the summer of 1969 and 1972, he did additional study at Oberlin College in Ohio.
While other opportunities were available, Baxter committed himself to serving Historically Black Colleges. He was dedicated to giving his multi-faceted talents to several Black Colleges, among those Tuskegee University, Bluefield State College and St. Augustine's College. He retired from St. Augustine's College in 2000 after 33 years of dedicated service.
He leaves to celebrate his life and his legacy, his devoted and adoring wife of 44 years, Gail L. Brooks Colbert; sons, Jeffrey Louis Colbert and William B. Colbert, Jr. (Tara Spencer) of Raleigh; sons, Eric Jason, Christopher Marlowe and Adrienne Colbert of VA; grandsons, Donovan B, William B., III "Trey", Joshua R. and Travian A. He also leaves his sister, Mary C. Lewis (James B.); brothers, Reid A. (Flora) and John K.; an uncle, George Nicholas, all of Lexington, VA; special extended family, Lynda Rascoe, Jawaun Patterson, Annette James, the Edwards and Chalmers Family, the Burney Family and the Jamison Family. He was especially devoted to his mother-in-law, Thelma Jamison Brooks (deceased), and his friend and father-in-law, James W. Brooks, of Pearisburg, VA.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. at the St. Augustine's College Chapel.
The family will receive friends anytime after 4:00 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 3200 Stoneyford Court.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in the name of William B. Colbert, Sr. and send to the Saint Augustine's College Chapel, 1315 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC, 27610.
Cremation and professional services for our dearly departed loved one have been entrusted to Lightner Funeral Home, 312 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Raleigh, NC, 833-1676.
E-Condolences may be sent to lightnerfuneral