Wilburn Vandagriff

Wilburn Arvon Vandagriff, born February 26, 1926 in Anna, Texas, the son of Robert Jackson Vandagriff and Nancy Lucretia Adams Vandagriff passed at his home in Whitney, Texas, Saturday, May 2, 2009. He was known as Uncle Sam, to his niece, Margaret nd Colonel to the neighbor children. He began his military career on April 10, 1940 as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Then in the U. S. Army on May 22, 1941 and finally in the U. S. AAF Air Force as an Air Trans Tech. on May 20, 1946. He was a decorated veteran. He fought in World War II and was shot during the first strike on Normandy at Red Palm, Omaha Beach and was taken to the town of St. Lowe, France after spending four hours in the water where their ship had been sunk. Wilburn was a man of faith and was friendly to all. He had many trade skills which served him and others well through the years. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond and Joy Lee Vandagriff; sisters, Willie Mae and Thelma Dee Vandagriff Record. Survivors include sisters, Rosie Bell Vandagriff Record and Golden Vandagriff Nolley; half sister, Margaret June Vandagriff Stover; daughters, Janet and Debbie Vandagriff and several nieces, nephews and other family.