William Carroll Baugh

William Carroll Baugh William Carroll Baugh, 88, a 3 year resident of Taylor, Texas, quietly passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in Georgetown, Texas. Prior to Taylor, he resided in Austin for over 30 years. He was born on April 26, 1925 in Lott, Texas to Adolph and Dora (Crosland) Baugh and lived there until he was inducted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18 on September 28, 1943. He was known by many fond aliases: Jim, Jimmy, JB, Tex, Pop, Pops, Bill, Grandpa, Pa, Uncle Jimmy, Mr. B and Mr. Baugh. He very proudly served during WWII in the South Pacific and fought in the jungles of New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon and performed duties as part of the 32nd Infantry, 127th (Red Arrow) Division. "Tex" (as he was known by his comrades) achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. As a section leader for a mortar company, he was responsible for control and coordination of three mortar crews who set up, aimed, and fired mortars. "Tex" received an honorable discharge on January 18, 1946. During his 28 months of service, he received numerous medals, including 5 bronze stars. After his discharge from the Army, he returned home to Texas and attended the University of Houston and studied Business Administration. He was employed by Weiner's Department Stores for 38 years until his retirement. He married Angelina Anna Elster on February 15, 1947. He never met a stranger and gave so much to anyone he met who had a need. His greatest joys in life were his family and the many vegetable gardens he proudly planted each spring and fall. He was quick to share his crop with neighbors, friends, and family. He loved taking trips to his WWII reunions and reminiscing about the hells of war but proud to serve his country and preserve the freedom we enjoy. He loved to volunteer with the Vietnam veterans in the Austin and Round Rock areas and frequented their meetings to meet with other veterans. He loved to waltz and polka and shuffle around any dance floor and was never shy to "cut a rug". William was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Dora Baugh; sisters Verena, Hoppy and Helen; brothers Lawrence and Adolph (Bo); wife Angelina; son Philip; companion of 32 years Mary Howard; and step-son Jimmy Howard. He is survived by his daughter Janet and son-in-law Gary Barnes of Georgetown, TX; son Bruce and daughter-in-law Carol Baugh of Lake Charles, LA; son Richard Baugh of Taylor, TX; daughter Chris and son-in-law Aaron Alexander of Houston, TX; step-daughter Angela Hicks of Austin, TX; brother Melvin and sister-in-law Dee Baugh of Axtell, TX; 4 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 9 step-great grandchildren and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He also leaves behind his faithful dog Buddy who quickly adopted him as his favorite human. His family says "He was a proud hard-working man, cherished by his family and loved by friends and neighbors". Dad will be missed but we are so blessed to have had him for so many years. We know he is now with our Lord and Savior and having a glorious reunion with all that have passed before him. God speed..." The funeral service will be held at Cook-Gerngross-Green-Patterson Funeral Home, 111 S. 2nd Street, Rosebud TX on Saturday, June 1, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Clover Hill Cemetery in Lott, TX. with an honor guard from Fort Hood, participating in graveside services. In addition, a memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2013 at The Brook Church, 11416 Spring Cypress Road, Tomball, Texas 77377. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or on-line at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.