Willard Royce Gladson, known as “PawPaw” to his family, passed away on September 1, 2021. Royce was born in Snyder, Texas on June 14, 1939 to Willard and Flora Vida Holley Gladson. He was the first of five children.
After growing up in Snyder and Water Valley, he went on to attend Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), earning a bachelor’s degree in business. While at Southwest Texas State, he met his future wife, Dorothy Lee Smith. The two were married in 1962 and six years later had one son, Mark.
While Royce’s early career began in the oilfield, he eventually shifted into the banking industry, retiring from Texas Commerce Bank after more than 20 years of service. During his years in banking, he earned his master’s degree in business from UTPB. Even after his formal retirement, he continued to work at a smaller bank in Kermit as well as pursue other business interests such as real estate.
During his son’s growing up years, Royce, along with his wife Dorothy, was deeply involved in all the sports activities Mark enjoyed. Royce coached elementary football, volunteered countless hours with the Odessa Aquatic Club, and never missed a game or a meet, whether in town or out of town. He later became active at First Baptist Church, serving as a greeter and a deacon. Through their years together, Royce and Dorothy enjoyed being actively involved in the lives of their son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons.
Following Dorothy’s death in 2008, Royce married Linda Stephens in 2009, opening the next chapter of his retirement years. During this season, Royce pursued his love for hunting, raising show dogs to compete in various competitions, and traveling. His trip to Israel with Linda was especially meaningful. When in town, he was sure to meet with his coffee group daily, often twice a day. He and Linda were faithful fans at all of the grandsons’ games, school, and church events. Whether it was a basketball game for Blake and Heath, a Little League baseball game for Seth, or a stock show for Ryder, PawPaw was there to cheer all of the grandchildren on. It was one of his favorite things to do. PawPaw’s faithful presence will be lovingly remembered.
Royce is survived by his wife Linda Gladson, his son Mark (Seree) Gladson, and grandsons Heath (Emma) Gladson, Blake (Lexy) Gladson, and Seth Gladson. He is also survived by his stepson Roy (Charla) Stephens and step grandson Ryder Stephens as well as stepdaughter Carla Steffen. Royce also leaves behind two sisters, Judith Rousseau (Elvin) and family, Gayna Cowan (Cecil) and family, one brother Ronal (LeTrix) and family, brother-in-law George Page and family, brother-in-law Randy (Brenda) Smith and family, and brother-in-law Jerry (Barbara) Smith and family.
Royce is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Flora Vida Holley Gladson; his wife of 46 years, Dorothy Gladson; his sister, Janis Page and his nephew, Duane Rousseau.
A family visitation will be held on Friday, September 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home. A public graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Saturday, September 25th at 11:00 am, officiated by Pastor James McCrary.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankwwilson.com for the Gladson family.
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