A FAMILY’S MILITARY LEGACY

Special to the Marlin Democrat

Veteran’s Day honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and we want to honor a resident of Falls County and other Veterans in this Military family. Mr. George Weatherspoon is a lifelong resident of Falls County and has lived in Marlin, TX for over 80 years. George Weatherspoon was born 6/14/1925 but because of Covid-19 his family was not able to give him the 95 th Birthday celebration they had planned. He lives a quiet life and can be found most days at Evan’s Texaco playing the lottery (his hobby). Mr. Weatherspoon was drafted into the Army and served from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. He was stationed in Germany and Italy. He has two sons from Marlin, TX who also served; Ernest Jones served in the Army from 1976 to 1980 and Bobby Weatherspoon served in the Air Force from1976 to 1980. Mr. George has a grandson of Arizona, Robert Butler, Jr who also served in the military.

While gathering information about Mr. George’s military background he mentioned his uncle who also served in the military. I was able to contact the deceased uncle’s son and confirmed that James E. Weatherspoon, a lifelong resident of Falls County enlisted in the Army to fight in World War I on October 30, 1917 and sailed for Foreign Service June 7, 1918. He was in the 5th Service Company, 20th Engineers and also served as a member of Company “A”, 507 th Engineers. He has a son, Captain Jerry Weatherspoon who received Commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the army after graduating from college in 1971 and serve until 1986.

Mr. George had three brothers who served in the military. His brother Roosevelt Bradley, now deceased serve in the Army from 1943 to 1945 and fought in World War II. Mr. Bradley has a granddaughter, Alesha Turner who served in the Navy from 1993 to 2005 and two great- grandsons who also served; Andre Bradley served in the Navy from 2000 to 2007 and Rashaad Aaron Boyd served in the Army from 2012 to 2018. Mr. George’s other two brothers served in the Army during the Korean War. His brother J. C. Weatherspoon of Houston, TX, age 91, served from 1951 to 1953. He also has a son Kerry Weatherspoon of Houston, TX who served in the Army from 1978 to 1981. Mr. George’s other brother Marvin Weatherspoon, Sr. of Houston, TX, age 89 served from 1953 to 1955. Mr. Marvin has two sons both living in Houston, TX who also served in the military; Marvin Weatherspoon, Jr served in the Air Force from 1971 to 1976 and Desert Storm 1991(Reserve) and Marvin Jr. has a son, Lt. Marvin Weatherspoon III who also served in the Air Force from 2010 to 2015. Mr. Marvin Sr.’s other son Ronnie Weatherspoon served in the Navy from 1987 to 1992.

Mr. George had other nephews who also served: William Brooks of Dallas, TX fought in the Korean War and served in the Air Force from 1953 to 1957. Louis Brook, now deceased served in the Air Force from 1971 to 1974. Mr. George’s great nephews who served: Charles E. Brooks, Jr., now deceased served in the Air Force from 1971 to 1975, Wayne Weatherspoon served in the Navy from 1979 to 1992 and Terry Weatherspoon served in the Air Force from 1981 to 1992.

Mr. George’s oldest brother Moses Tubbs had many of his children and grandchildren who served in the military. Although the years of service were not available at the time of printing the article, we wanted to make sure they were acknowledged. Mr. George’s nephews/great nephews and nieces/great nieces who served are: Joann Tubbs-Overton and David Turner served in the Air Force. Those who served in the Army: Leeroy Tubbs, James Tubbs, Billy Tubbs, Connie Tubbs, Billy Tubbs, Jr. Matthew King, Jeffrey King, Alan B. King, Teresa King, Ruth Ann Hallman, Estelle Johnson, John Bryant, Briana Shaw and Cherelle Tubbs. Roy Lee Tubbs served in the Navy and George Ray Tubbs served in the Marines.

This is one family among many whose military legacy is worthy of honor on this Veteran’s Day. We salute all the Veterans on this day and hopefully every day and we thank you for your service.

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553