Marlin Democrat
September 11, 2007
Marlin Falls County Texas

Falls County Fallen Hero

By Christine Kern, Staff Writer

 

     On September 5, Corporal William "Billy" T. Warford III, 24, of Lott was killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in Balad, Iraq.

     He was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood.

     His family misses him, but say that Warford would want them to take comfort in knowing that he was fighting for a cause, his country and his family.

     "He did it so we didn't have to," Crystal Bethke, his sister, said. "It was just his time."

     Letters from some of the men Warford fought with reveal that he was loved and revered by all. His wish for them was to go on and remember to continue fighting, he will be there by their side.

     His family retells stories about the last time he was for leave, about how he loved watching the kids in Iraq and handing them candy.

     Warford was a tank mechanic, but changed military occupations after being asked to join on patrols with the unit.

     Warford leaves his wife, Shea Warford, and two children, Abbey Warford, 6 and Anthony Warford, 2, along with his mother, Jere Beal and father William Warford II and his sister, Crystal and husband Michael Bethke.

     Those he left behind know he is still riding along side his brothers in Iraq, looking out for them until they too can come home.

     Funeral services are pending.

 

Submitted by
Ken Gates

Marlin Democrat
September 19, 2007
Marlin, Falls County, Texas

Cpl. William Troy Warford
September 13, 1982 - September 5, 2007

 

     Cpl. William Troy Warford, 24, of Temple died Wednesday, September 5, 2007 while serving his country in the United States Army in Iraq.

     Funeral services were 3 p.m. Saturday, September15 at Adams Funeral Chapel, with Chester Springfield officiating.

     Full military graveside rites followed at Clover Hill Cemetery in Lott, Texas. Visitation was 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, September 14 at Adams Funeral Home.

     Cpl. Warford was born September 13, 1982 in Marlin, to William T. Warford II and Jere Beall.

     He married Shea Berry on March 25, 2000 in Temple. He was a Catholic, a Texas Longhorn football fan and has been serving in Iraq since October 1, 2006

     Survivors include: wife Shea Warford of Temple; son Anthony Warford of Temple; daughter Aubrieanna Warford of Temple; parents William T. Warford II of Bartlett and Jere Beall of Lott; and sister Crystal Bethke of Marlin.