Obituary of William Henry Webb

William Henry Webb, Jr., a gentle and loving Husband, Dad, and Brother, Uncle, Papa and friend, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb 22, at the age of 94. He touched many lives with his gentle, loving and caring spirit. The way he lived his life was a role model for us all. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana to William Henry Webb, Sr. and Beulah Elsie Webb on February 13, 1920, William Henry Webb, Jr. was the oldest of six children. As the eldest son, he helped his brothers and sisters in many ways. He loved reading and writing and won his high school's Legion Post Constitutional Essay contest. He also tutored and taught a class in mechanical drawing while still in High School. After high school, William entered the Army in October, 1941 during World War II. After receiving exceptionally high scores on his entrance exam, he was immediately sent to OCS (Officer Candidate School) and was promoted to 1st lieutenant within 6 months. William was the youngest black company commander at 22 years of age. He rose to the rank of Captain before completing his service in 1945. After serving his country he moved to California. William attended The University of Southern California where he studied electrical engineering. Between his studies he would spend time at the downtown L.A. Jazz clubs like The Dunbar Hotel, listening to Jazz greats Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan and Charles Mingus. William began his career in Los Angeles, CA at Gauss Electro Physics, Inc. working as an engineer on optical disc technology. With his love of people and his engineering background he then took a position at World Placement in executive placement, finding and placing engineers worldwide at companies in searching of key engineering talent. In 1969, William met the love of his life, Lynn Lewis. Lynn and her two children, Daniel and Kathleen, and with his German Shepherd puppy, Oedipus, became an instant family. They bought a home in North Hollywood and began a wonderful loving, caring, fun life together. Providing for his family allowed Lynn, Daniel and Kathleen to enjoy many new life experiences. They also now had an immediate extended family, something they had never had; Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts and cousins. Family reunions, BBQs and many informal family visits was a foundation of their new life together. William was an avid learner and taught the love of learning to his children, nieces and nephews. His gentle and caring way of teaching, conversing, listening and loving was felt by all who knew him. In 1973, the family moved to Santa Cruz to provide better schools, a safer place to live and clean air. Music became a big part of his and his family's life. Sunday mornings were spent listening to music as a family. Jazz, Gospel, Classical were among his favorite genres. This influenced his son Daniel to pursue a professional music career. He also loved sports, playing tennis, routing for his favorite sports teams and spending time at the race track. William was a true family man spending time with his children, grandchildren and enjoying life with his beloved wife. He was always there at his son's gigs and his daughter's and grandchildren's sporting events. Nothing made him happier than to spend time with family over good food and good conversation. He loved living in Santa Cruz enjoying the sound of the waves from their home in La Selva Beach and watching the beautiful sunsets. William is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Lynn, devoted children Daniel and Kathleen, three grandchildren, Joanna, Tommy and Katie and two grand-dogs, Charlie Brown and Laika. He is also survived by his baby brother, Vernon (aka: Uncle Buddy) and his sister-in-laws, Jean Ann and Willa, as well as, many nieces and nephews and other relatives and devoted friends. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Monday, March 3, 2014 from 12-1:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service, burial and reception at Santa Cruz Memorial, 3301 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz.