William ‘Willie’ A. Pemberton, of Tucson, Arizona, passed on September 18th, 2023, among his loving family. Willie was born November 28th, 1952 in Tucson to WR ‘Slim’ and Ruth Marie Pemberton, both of whom preceded their son in passing. Willie is survived by his brothers: Ron, Shorty (Clarie) and Whitey (Sandy-D) , as well as his brother and sister in-law: Bob ‘Boober’ and Pennie Bishop.
Willie met and married his beloved wife Deborah ‘Debbie’ Pemberton, who survives him. They spent 47 years happily married until his passing. Willie raised two wonderful children together with Debbie, their daughter Paula Pallanes (Ed) and Son- Andrew Pemberton (Diane ‘Lil Bit’). As well as their adopted daughter Lisa ‘Bean’ (Reysal), all of whom survive their father. Willie is further survived by his adopted daughter in-law Deborah, to whom he was like a father too. Additionally, Willie is survived by his beautiful Granddaughters: Alyssa ‘Sissa’ and Alissandra ‘Ali’ Pallanes, and Granddaughters: Kaylee ‘KK’, Lainey ‘Lainers’ Pemberton and Camilla ‘Cam’ Lucio. Willie is further survived by his many nieces and nephews.
Willie valiantly served his country from 1972-1974 in the Army, and then continued his proud service in the National Guard. Prior to his military service, Willie worked at feed lots including Mr. Cooper’s Hay and Feed where he joked he made a quarter an hour. Following his military service, Willie continued to work hard as a union carpenter in heavy construction wearing many hats as a jack-of-all trades. However, a cowboy hat was his favorite, a cowboy himself through-and-through. He was a member of “The Gathering,” an organized group of Rodeo Friends where they met monthly to reminisce on the good ol’ days.
In his personal time and well into his retirement, Willie above all else treasured his time spent with his family and friends. He prioritized anything related to his family. He loved watching his granddaughters play sports, dancing, or being the wild and free spirits who took after him. He cared deeply for his whole family, taking care of them whenever he could. Willie also enjoyed watching or attending the Rodeo/NFR. He himself, competed as a bareback rider at rodeos. He also loved riding their Razor around the desert. Willie was an adventurer- attending concerts, archery hunting and riding rollercoasters. As well as, loved traveling in his motorhome with his beloved wife (family and friends) visiting many destinations including going to his ‘favorite’ state of TEXAS, the beach and the lake. Wherever he went, Willie had a knack for kicking up trouble- like the dust on a trail and settling it just as quickly.
Willie was many things- a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, an amazing friend and a man who lived life to the fullest. Much could be said in his esteem and it would never be enough. Willie’s light and spirit will live on, cherished in the hearts of his family and friends, and all those who had the opportunity to know him. He will be dearly missed, and deeply mourned by all.
A memorial service for William will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the Pemberton family.
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