William Lee Colston

Mr. William L. Colston, age 82 of Richland Hills, Texas, formerly of Cartersville Georgia, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023. He was born May 29, 1941, in Cartersville, Georgia and educated in the Bartow County School System at Summer Hill High School. He passed peacefully at his home in Texas due to a Myocardial infraction. 

William is preceded in death by Lydia (wife) and Molly (daughter - under 1yr), sons: Sampson and Victor Wood. Also, he is preceded in death by his parents - Charles William and Ella Frances, and Elliott (brother). He is survived by six children – daughters: Ramona, Ella, sons: William L. Jr., Charles A, Donald, and Robert. He also leaves behind a brother Norman Eugene (Gene), twelve grandchildren, many cousins, and friends.  

The foundation of the person he became was built from the moral values instilled in him from his grandparents (Lee Ervin and Josephine McClendon Bryant), aunts, cousins, community, and friends. He was a loving, compassionate, and supportive father allowing his children to grow to their potential. He was married for over fifty years living in both the United States and Philippines.  He retired from active duty in the USAF and continued his reserve obligation for ten years. He served during the Vietnam war and cold war era under the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He had duty assignments in Texas, Germany, Japan, Philippines, and serval undisclosed locations. 

As a Non-Commission Officer, he was an expert in his field. He was qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision. He received several decoration, metals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons – Small Arms Expert marksmanship ribbon; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four devices; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with two devices; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Philippines Presidential Unit Award; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal and the Air Force Good Conduct Metal with five Devices. Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and it is never too late to give them the recognition they deserve. 

A visitation service was held on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 6-8 pm, at Martin Thompson & Son Funeral Home. A Military Graveside Service was held on Tuesday July 25 at 9:45 am at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Texas where his wife’s remains will be interred next to him. 

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