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RILEY FUNERAL HOME obituary
402 WEST MAIN, HAMILTON, TX 76531 | 254-386-3117

William Clyde Raibourn
July 4, 1929 - January 2, 2018

William Clyde Raibourn died peacefully at Providence Hospital on January 2, 2018 in Waco, Texas at the age of 88.
Clyde is survived by three children: Joe Raibourn and his wife, Kathy, of McGregor; Jay Raibourn of Waco; Lana Colvin and her husband, Marc, of Pearland. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Courtney Raibourn and his wife, Ashley, of China Springs; Laurie Johnson and her husband, Neil, of McGregor; Berkeley Colvin and Kennedy Colvin, both of Pearland. Surviving also are seven great grandchildren: Nathan, Emily, Will, and Lily Raibourn; and Austin Whiteside, Madison, and Liam Johnson. He is also survived by one sister, Edna Riley of Temple, TX. Clyde is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Iula Raibourn; six siblings: Charnie, Mildred, Alton, Aubrey Dean, Charlie Dee, and Vada; and his loving wife, Wanda Raibourn.

Clyde was born on July 4, 1929 in Hamilton, Texas to Edgar and Iula Raibourn. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1948. He was the first of the eight siblings to attend college. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1952 with a degree in Agricultural Education. He also completed his Masters of Education from Howard Payne University. He married Wanda Young, the love of his life, in 1953. They moved to Amarillo, Texas where Clyde was stationed as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air force. When he completed his military service in 1956, the couple moved back to Hamilton to start their family. His children remember him as a kind and gentle father who loved to laugh, tell stories, and play dominoes.
He loved his family and always sought to set an example for them and encouraged them in pursuit of their goals.

Clyde was a dedicated educator. He began his teaching career in Pottsville, Texas where he coached High School girls' basketball for one year. In 1957, he joined the faculty of Hamilton High School where he taught varying levels of math for 15 years until his promotion to High School Principal in 1972. As a teacher, students remember him to be patient and kind. Countless students recall stories of how much he helped them understand math and how kind and funny he was in the classroom. In 1975, he was promoted to Superintendent of Hamilton Schools. Faculty members remember the same kindness and understanding that he offered them as a boss and mentor. Clyde was an active and dedicated member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton until he moved from Hamilton following the death of his wife, Wanda, in 1995. He was a servant and often volunteered for United Care in Hamilton and Meals on Wheels in McGregor, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hamilton United Care at PO Box 212, Hamilton, TX 76531. The family would like to thank Providence Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff for their care, comfort, and dedication during a difficult time.


Funeral Service
Saturday, January 06, 2018 | 11:00 am
First Baptist Church
200 S Bell, Hamilton, Texas
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Visitation
Friday, January 05, 2018 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Riley Funeral Home
402 W. Main, Hamilton, Texas
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