William Lampkin

JUL. 19, 1920 - SEP. 26, 2010

William (Bill) Joseph Lampkin passed away Sunday, 9/26/2010 in Stockton, CA. He was born in Davis, CA on 7/19/1920 to William Joseph Lampkin and Hilda Alma Huberty. Bill, an only child, was raised on the family's ranch in Ripon, CA, attending Atlanta Grammar School and Ripon High School. He also attended Stockton Jr. College, and the University of Pacific, where he earned a degree in Accounting. During WWII, Bill joined the US Army. He was stationed in Philippines and, during his tenure, promoted to Sergeant First Class. After his discharge in 1946, Bill started his long-standing and esteemed career with Pacific Gas & Electricity. He worked at PG&E offices in Stockton, San Francisco, and finally Salinas where he was promoted to Manager of Customer Services of Coast Valleys Division. In his tenure with PG&E, Bill also served as Chairman of the Pacific Service Association Educational Committee.

In 1947, Bill married the love of his life, Muriel Ila Grube, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years of marriage before her death in 2005. Together they had two sons and a daughter and, eventually, three grandchildren. Bill's family was the light of his life and times spent together were some of his favorite memories. In addition, Bill was an outstanding community member, enthusiastically serving the Jr. and Sr. Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Toastmasters, and Masons, and was a past President of the Lion's Club. He was involved with his children and other area youngsters with the Boy Scouts and Little League Baseball. In retirement, Bill also volunteered with such organizations as United Way, the Census Bureau, the American Legion, the VFW, and the Small Business Administration Office. He and Muriel were members of the First Baptist Church of Modesto.

Bill had a zest for life, and was loved by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. He was a consummate people person, with a great sense of humor, a fun-loving and gregarious nature, and a genuine care for others. He had many passions, including playing the saxophone, Big Band music, salsa dancing, and all sports, especially his beloved San Francisco 49'ers and Giants. He was an avid golfer, participating in this sport until recently. His outgoing and adventurous spirit led Bill and Muriel to travel throughout the world in his retirement. In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son, Jim. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Rosann Lampkin, of Chico, CA, his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Fred Green, of Lapeer, MI, three grandchildren, Malia Lampkin and Evan and Erin Green, his sister-in-law and her husband, Darlene and Wes Cooper of Boise, ID, his sister-in-law, Jody Grube of Carmichael, CA, and his dear friend Lois Anderson, of Stockton, CA. He also leaves behind many other extended family members and close friends.

Arrangements are being presided over by Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave. Hughson 95326. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, Oct. 1, with funeral services being held at Lakewood Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 11:00 AM. Remembrances may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 4309, Modesto, CA, 95352 or the American Heart Association , 1212 Robin Hood Dr., Suite 5D, Stockton, CA 95207. Guest book available at www.lakewoodhughson.com www.modbee.com/obituaries