William Pernell Gatlin's Obituary
William “Bill” Pernell Gatlin of Tulsa, OK went to heaven on his fifty-third birthday following a valiant battle with long term illness. He was born in Amarillo, TX on October 15, 1962. He moved with his mother to Turpin, OK as a small child. He proudly boasted the three eight man football state championships earned while playing offensive lineman for the Turpin Cardinals. He graduated high school in 1981, and then proceeded to enjoy playing college football while sometimes attending class at Bethel College. Eventually he realized the lure of a college degree and he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in 1988. In 2002, he earned a certificate from the University of Tulsa in the Legal Assistant Program. Bill started his career in the hospitality industry, but found his niche in the transportation industry. He spent a decade traveling the open road. He had an adventurous spirit that led him back and forth across the country. His favorite place to explore was New York City. After leaving the road, he spent several years working in communications at AT&T before his health forced him to retire. Bill had a passion for youth athletics, and was involved as a youth basketball and softball coach for his daughter. He had a love of music with a good beat, and above all, he wanted to make others laugh. He would consistently tease all who came into contact with him. His flair for embellishment leaves us to wonder how many of his grand stories are actually true. He was interested in politics and never passed up the opportunity for a quick, or not so quick, debate. Regardless if he agreed with you or not, you would both leave the conversation laughing. Bill is survived by his wife of ten years Cindy Ludwig Gatlin of Tulsa, OK; his daughter and son-in law Courtney and David Schones of Arlington, TX; his granddaughter Hannah Schones of Arlington, TX; his mother Nancy Ray of Turpin OK; his sister Regina Corpening of Kingsley, KS; his brother Shane Gatlin of Ashland City, TN; his sister Shannon Franklin of Manchester, TN; and numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Larry Gatlin and his stepfather Kermit Ray. The memorial service will be held at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Broken Arrow, OK on Tuesday, October 20th at 10:00 a.m. A small reception will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to John 3:16 Mission of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The family rests comfortably knowing that Bill can once again recite his favorite saying with gusto: I feel happy; I feel healthy; I feel terrific!
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