William Archie Kleam, Jr.

God has him in His arms, and we will always have him in our hearts. William A. Kleam, Jr. died peacefully June 7, 2016 at home. His life was a blessing; he will be missed beyond measure. W. A.’s life will be celebrated at a visitation to be held at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., in Tyler, on Thursday, June 9, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at a graveside service on Friday, June 10, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Mason Cemetery in Arp, Texas, officiated by Reverend Mike Jenkins. W. A. was born April 14, 1937, at home in Smith County. He is survived by his loving family including his wife of almost 53 years, Diane. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Scott Sampson of Tyler; granddaughter and husband, Alexandra and Chris Housley of Dallas and granddaughter Natalie Sampson of Dallas. Survivors also include brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Sybil Kleam, of Lindale and Terry and Susan Kleam of Tyler; brother-in-law Billy Hill of Arp and nieces, nephews and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his son, John Kleam; parents W. A. and Irene Kleam and sister, Joyce Hill. Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of the former Arp State Bank. W. A. was a graduate of Arp High School and the Rutherford Metropolitan School of Business in Dallas. As a nineteen year old man, he began his first job at Arp State Bank as assistant bookkeeper - a job that would turn into a career spanning half a century. At his retirement, W. A. was President and CEO. He also served on the Board of Directors of Arp State Bank for 31 years and on the Board of Directors of American State Bank. He was a member and past treasurer of Arp Emmanuel Baptist Church, past Master of Canton Lodge #98 A.F. and A.M., past Director of Medical Center Overton Memorial Hospital Board and past Boy Scout Master and Little League coach. His greatest joy was his family. He had their backs in sunshine and in shadow, always giving his unconditional love with quiet grace and strength. To his family and friends, the days have been brighter because he lived; the nights will be darker because he is gone.

William Archie Kleam, Jr.

April 14, 1937 - June 7, 2016