Born in a shot-gun house to Eliza, the second of three wives to an older, illiterate logger, Joseph Andrews, in Bay Minette, Alabama, William Wallace Andrews entered the world of abject poverty on February 4th 1925. The seventeenth child of nineteen by Joseph's three wives, Wallace, as he was called by his family was a bright child.
At the tender age of four his mother died in childbirth with his youngest brother, Tommy, who was immediately adopted by the Wiggins family. After a few years living with his father it was evident that his needs were not being met and at the age of eight Wallace and his brother Clyde became wards of the state of Alabama.
Shuffled between foster homes he and Clyde eventually ended up in Pine Level, Alabama living with Tom and Mona McNeil. Tom and Mona were members of the Macedonia church of Christ and thus began Wallace's training in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It was here that Bill developed his love for the earth and growing things. Anywhere he lived he would find a patch of earth and grow a garden. Nothing brought him more joy then having soil under his fingernails and his dinner table graced with the fresh vegetables harvested from his labors.
After the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, William joined the United States Navy in September of 1942. He quickly rose to the rank of Gunners Mate 3rd class and served in the European, African, Asiatic and Pacific theaters on four different naval vessels. He was awarded the good conduct medal and was wounded by shrapnel from a Japanese Kamikaze plane that attempted to sink their boat. He carries the shrapnel with him to this day.
After he was discharged at the end of the war he shared a bus ride from Mobile, Alabama back to Pine Level with a fellow veteran who would eventually become his brother-in-law. Charles Patterson had a sister at home, Mildred Fay Patterson, and after she laid eyes on William she declared that she was going to marry that man one day. And she did! Mildred, age 17 and William, then 22 were married by Leo Patton on June 6, 1947 in Dothan, Alabama and set up housekeeping.
Soon the happy young couple moved to Temple Terrace, Florida where Andy, as he was known by his brethren, enrolled in what was then called Florida Christian College. Four years later Andy had earned a Bachelor's degree from FCC in Bible and at the same time earned a B.A. in education from the University of Tampa. He started to preach the gospel.
Andy preached full-time for churches of Christ in Brooksville, Largo, Palm Harbor, and New Smyrna Beach Florida from the early 1950's until 1958. While at New Smyrna he earned a Master's degree in Reading from Sanford University in Deland. Three children later, he was offered a job with Encyclopedia Britannia Films, Inc., which launched his secular career in educational sales.
Working in educational sales for over thirty years Bill, as he was known in the business world was moved to various states and all over Florida. Although he never preached "full-time" again, everywhere Bill moved he and his family, comprising his wife, three sons, a daughter and his mother-in-law, would identify with a local congregation of God's people. Bill would soon play an instrumental role in the growth and development of any local congregation with which he would identify.
A master Bible class teacher he could be counted on to present scholarly work that always edified his listeners. He had an extensive religious library and would spend every free moment reading, studying and writing Bible class materials. He rarely watched television preferring to read and write during that spare time.
Additionally, Bill played an important role in establishing conservative churches of Christ in Tallahassee, Boca Raton, and Lakeland Florida. He always stood for the truth of God's word regardless of any opposition he may encounter. He loved the Lord and the Word of God more than life itself.
In the late 80's Bill moved back to Pine Level, and then to Montgomery where he served as an elder for the Perry Hill Road church of Christ. After he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Bill and Mildred sold their home and moved in with their oldest son, Charles and his wife Patti who reside in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Bill and Mildred have twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren to which they are known as Pop Pop and Nana.
On Friday afternoon, October 28, 2011, Bill passed from this life surrounding by his bride of 64 years, Mildred, his four children, Charles, Kay, Joe and Steve, and his daughter-in-law, Patti. During his final moments Bill was enveloped in the loving arms of family who sang his favorite hymns, read his favorite Bible passages and offered prayers to our heavenly Father. He passed peacefully drawing his last breath at 5:40 pm.
Bill is also survived by two other daughters-in-laws, Margaret (Joe) and Alison (Steve). He will be sorely missed until that day we are reunited with him in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice, especially the aides, nurses, the social workers and the chaplain who worked tirelessly to provide care to our father and us over these past few years. Funeral services are scheduled for the chapel of Leak Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery, Alabama, on Friday, November 4, 2011. Public viewing will be from noon to 2 pm with services to follow immediately after the viewing. Internment will be at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens. --Leak Memory Chapel
At the tender age of four his mother died in childbirth with his youngest brother, Tommy, who was immediately adopted by the Wiggins family. After a few years living with his father it was evident that his needs were not being met and at the age of eight Wallace and his brother Clyde became wards of the state of Alabama.
Shuffled between foster homes he and Clyde eventually ended up in Pine Level, Alabama living with Tom and Mona McNeil. Tom and Mona were members of the Macedonia church of Christ and thus began Wallace's training in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It was here that Bill developed his love for the earth and growing things. Anywhere he lived he would find a patch of earth and grow a garden. Nothing brought him more joy then having soil under his fingernails and his dinner table graced with the fresh vegetables harvested from his labors.
After the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, William joined the United States Navy in September of 1942. He quickly rose to the rank of Gunners Mate 3rd class and served in the European, African, Asiatic and Pacific theaters on four different naval vessels. He was awarded the good conduct medal and was wounded by shrapnel from a Japanese Kamikaze plane that attempted to sink their boat. He carries the shrapnel with him to this day.
After he was discharged at the end of the war he shared a bus ride from Mobile, Alabama back to Pine Level with a fellow veteran who would eventually become his brother-in-law. Charles Patterson had a sister at home, Mildred Fay Patterson, and after she laid eyes on William she declared that she was going to marry that man one day. And she did! Mildred, age 17 and William, then 22 were married by Leo Patton on June 6, 1947 in Dothan, Alabama and set up housekeeping.
Soon the happy young couple moved to Temple Terrace, Florida where Andy, as he was known by his brethren, enrolled in what was then called Florida Christian College. Four years later Andy had earned a Bachelor's degree from FCC in Bible and at the same time earned a B.A. in education from the University of Tampa. He started to preach the gospel.
Andy preached full-time for churches of Christ in Brooksville, Largo, Palm Harbor, and New Smyrna Beach Florida from the early 1950's until 1958. While at New Smyrna he earned a Master's degree in Reading from Sanford University in Deland. Three children later, he was offered a job with Encyclopedia Britannia Films, Inc., which launched his secular career in educational sales.
Working in educational sales for over thirty years Bill, as he was known in the business world was moved to various states and all over Florida. Although he never preached "full-time" again, everywhere Bill moved he and his family, comprising his wife, three sons, a daughter and his mother-in-law, would identify with a local congregation of God's people. Bill would soon play an instrumental role in the growth and development of any local congregation with which he would identify.
A master Bible class teacher he could be counted on to present scholarly work that always edified his listeners. He had an extensive religious library and would spend every free moment reading, studying and writing Bible class materials. He rarely watched television preferring to read and write during that spare time.
Additionally, Bill played an important role in establishing conservative churches of Christ in Tallahassee, Boca Raton, and Lakeland Florida. He always stood for the truth of God's word regardless of any opposition he may encounter. He loved the Lord and the Word of God more than life itself.
In the late 80's Bill moved back to Pine Level, and then to Montgomery where he served as an elder for the Perry Hill Road church of Christ. After he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Bill and Mildred sold their home and moved in with their oldest son, Charles and his wife Patti who reside in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Bill and Mildred have twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren to which they are known as Pop Pop and Nana.
On Friday afternoon, October 28, 2011, Bill passed from this life surrounding by his bride of 64 years, Mildred, his four children, Charles, Kay, Joe and Steve, and his daughter-in-law, Patti. During his final moments Bill was enveloped in the loving arms of family who sang his favorite hymns, read his favorite Bible passages and offered prayers to our heavenly Father. He passed peacefully drawing his last breath at 5:40 pm.
Bill is also survived by two other daughters-in-laws, Margaret (Joe) and Alison (Steve). He will be sorely missed until that day we are reunited with him in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice, especially the aides, nurses, the social workers and the chaplain who worked tirelessly to provide care to our father and us over these past few years. Funeral services are scheduled for the chapel of Leak Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery, Alabama, on Friday, November 4, 2011. Public viewing will be from noon to 2 pm with services to follow immediately after the viewing. Internment will be at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens. --Leak Memory Chapel
Born in a shot-gun house to Eliza, the second of three wives to an older, illiterate logger, Joseph Andrews, in Bay Minette, Alabama, William Wallace Andrews entered the world of abject poverty on February 4th 1925. The seventeenth child of nineteen by Joseph's three wives, Wallace, as he was called by his family was a bright child.
At the tender age of four his mother died in childbirth with his youngest brother, Tommy, who was immediately adopted by the Wiggins family. After a few years living with his father it was evident that his needs were not being met and at the age of eight Wallace and his brother Clyde became wards of the state of Alabama.
Shuffled between foster homes he and Clyde eventually ended up in Pine Level, Alabama living with Tom and Mona McNeil. Tom and Mona were members of the Macedonia church of Christ and thus began Wallace's training in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It was here that Bill developed his love for the earth and growing things. Anywhere he lived he would find a patch of earth and grow a garden. Nothing brought him more joy then having soil under his fingernails and his dinner table graced with the fresh vegetables harvested from his labors.
After the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, William joined the United States Navy in September of 1942. He quickly rose to the rank of Gunners Mate 3rd class and served in the European, African, Asiatic and Pacific theaters on four different naval vessels. He was awarded the good conduct medal and was wounded by shrapnel from a Japanese Kamikaze plane that attempted to sink their boat. He carries the shrapnel with him to this day.
After he was discharged at the end of the war he shared a bus ride from Mobile, Alabama back to Pine Level with a fellow veteran who would eventually become his brother-in-law. Charles Patterson had a sister at home, Mildred Fay Patterson, and after she laid eyes on William she declared that she was going to marry that man one day. And she did! Mildred, age 17 and William, then 22 were married by Leo Patton on June 6, 1947 in Dothan, Alabama and set up housekeeping.
Soon the happy young couple moved to Temple Terrace, Florida where Andy, as he was known by his brethren, enrolled in what was then called Florida Christian College. Four years later Andy had earned a Bachelor's degree from FCC in Bible and at the same time earned a B.A. in education from the University of Tampa. He started to preach the gospel.
Andy preached full-time for churches of Christ in Brooksville, Largo, Palm Harbor, and New Smyrna Beach Florida from the early 1950's until 1958. While at New Smyrna he earned a Master's degree in Reading from Sanford University in Deland. Three children later, he was offered a job with Encyclopedia Britannia Films, Inc., which launched his secular career in educational sales.
Working in educational sales for over thirty years Bill, as he was known in the business world was moved to various states and all over Florida. Although he never preached "full-time" again, everywhere Bill moved he and his family, comprising his wife, three sons, a daughter and his mother-in-law, would identify with a local congregation of God's people. Bill would soon play an instrumental role in the growth and development of any local congregation with which he would identify.
A master Bible class teacher he could be counted on to present scholarly work that always edified his listeners. He had an extensive religious library and would spend every free moment reading, studying and writing Bible class materials. He rarely watched television preferring to read and write during that spare time.
Additionally, Bill played an important role in establishing conservative churches of Christ in Tallahassee, Boca Raton, and Lakeland Florida. He always stood for the truth of God's word regardless of any opposition he may encounter. He loved the Lord and the Word of God more than life itself.
In the late 80's Bill moved back to Pine Level, and then to Montgomery where he served as an elder for the Perry Hill Road church of Christ. After he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Bill and Mildred sold their home and moved in with their oldest son, Charles and his wife Patti who reside in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Bill and Mildred have twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren to which they are known as Pop Pop and Nana.
On Friday afternoon, October 28, 2011, Bill passed from this life surrounding by his bride of 64 years, Mildred, his four children, Charles, Kay, Joe and Steve, and his daughter-in-law, Patti. During his final moments Bill was enveloped in the loving arms of family who sang his favorite hymns, read his favorite Bible passages and offered prayers to our heavenly Father. He passed peacefully drawing his last breath at 5:40 pm.
Bill is also survived by two other daughters-in-laws, Margaret (Joe) and Alison (Steve). He will be sorely missed until that day we are reunited with him in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice, especially the aides, nurses, the social workers and the chaplain who worked tirelessly to provide care to our father and us over these past few years. Funeral services are scheduled for the chapel of Leak Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery, Alabama, on Friday, November 4, 2011. Public viewing will be from noon to 2 pm with services to follow immediately after the viewing. Internment will be at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens. --Leak Memory Chapel
At the tender age of four his mother died in childbirth with his youngest brother, Tommy, who was immediately adopted by the Wiggins family. After a few years living with his father it was evident that his needs were not being met and at the age of eight Wallace and his brother Clyde became wards of the state of Alabama.
Shuffled between foster homes he and Clyde eventually ended up in Pine Level, Alabama living with Tom and Mona McNeil. Tom and Mona were members of the Macedonia church of Christ and thus began Wallace's training in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It was here that Bill developed his love for the earth and growing things. Anywhere he lived he would find a patch of earth and grow a garden. Nothing brought him more joy then having soil under his fingernails and his dinner table graced with the fresh vegetables harvested from his labors.
After the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, William joined the United States Navy in September of 1942. He quickly rose to the rank of Gunners Mate 3rd class and served in the European, African, Asiatic and Pacific theaters on four different naval vessels. He was awarded the good conduct medal and was wounded by shrapnel from a Japanese Kamikaze plane that attempted to sink their boat. He carries the shrapnel with him to this day.
After he was discharged at the end of the war he shared a bus ride from Mobile, Alabama back to Pine Level with a fellow veteran who would eventually become his brother-in-law. Charles Patterson had a sister at home, Mildred Fay Patterson, and after she laid eyes on William she declared that she was going to marry that man one day. And she did! Mildred, age 17 and William, then 22 were married by Leo Patton on June 6, 1947 in Dothan, Alabama and set up housekeeping.
Soon the happy young couple moved to Temple Terrace, Florida where Andy, as he was known by his brethren, enrolled in what was then called Florida Christian College. Four years later Andy had earned a Bachelor's degree from FCC in Bible and at the same time earned a B.A. in education from the University of Tampa. He started to preach the gospel.
Andy preached full-time for churches of Christ in Brooksville, Largo, Palm Harbor, and New Smyrna Beach Florida from the early 1950's until 1958. While at New Smyrna he earned a Master's degree in Reading from Sanford University in Deland. Three children later, he was offered a job with Encyclopedia Britannia Films, Inc., which launched his secular career in educational sales.
Working in educational sales for over thirty years Bill, as he was known in the business world was moved to various states and all over Florida. Although he never preached "full-time" again, everywhere Bill moved he and his family, comprising his wife, three sons, a daughter and his mother-in-law, would identify with a local congregation of God's people. Bill would soon play an instrumental role in the growth and development of any local congregation with which he would identify.
A master Bible class teacher he could be counted on to present scholarly work that always edified his listeners. He had an extensive religious library and would spend every free moment reading, studying and writing Bible class materials. He rarely watched television preferring to read and write during that spare time.
Additionally, Bill played an important role in establishing conservative churches of Christ in Tallahassee, Boca Raton, and Lakeland Florida. He always stood for the truth of God's word regardless of any opposition he may encounter. He loved the Lord and the Word of God more than life itself.
In the late 80's Bill moved back to Pine Level, and then to Montgomery where he served as an elder for the Perry Hill Road church of Christ. After he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Bill and Mildred sold their home and moved in with their oldest son, Charles and his wife Patti who reside in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Bill and Mildred have twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren to which they are known as Pop Pop and Nana.
On Friday afternoon, October 28, 2011, Bill passed from this life surrounding by his bride of 64 years, Mildred, his four children, Charles, Kay, Joe and Steve, and his daughter-in-law, Patti. During his final moments Bill was enveloped in the loving arms of family who sang his favorite hymns, read his favorite Bible passages and offered prayers to our heavenly Father. He passed peacefully drawing his last breath at 5:40 pm.
Bill is also survived by two other daughters-in-laws, Margaret (Joe) and Alison (Steve). He will be sorely missed until that day we are reunited with him in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice, especially the aides, nurses, the social workers and the chaplain who worked tirelessly to provide care to our father and us over these past few years. Funeral services are scheduled for the chapel of Leak Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery, Alabama, on Friday, November 4, 2011. Public viewing will be from noon to 2 pm with services to follow immediately after the viewing. Internment will be at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens. --Leak Memory Chapel
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