William Lucus

William G. Lucus, 97 of Smithland passed away Friday, December 9, 2011 after a short illness.

A lifelong resident of Livingston County, Bill graduated from Livingston County High School, where he was class President. In May of 1941, he reported for active duty in the Army, eventually rising to the rank of Sargeant and serving as Tank Commander in the elite Fourth Armored Division. During the Normandy Invasion, he landed on Utah Beach and swept across France and Belgium, crossing the Rhine River into Germany as part of Patton’s Third Army. He took part in many significant battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded several medals of valor, including the Bronze Star and Purple Hearts.

Bill was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and a longtime member of Birdsville Baptist Church, where he served in many leadership roles, including song leader and Treasurer. He was a retired cattle breeder, operating a spread of up to 600 acres.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Elsie Dunn Lucus; one son, William R. Lucus of Nashville, TN; and two grandchildren, Kathryn Mikell and William Matthew; as well as four nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Hervy Lee Lucus and Marvin “Preacher” Lucus; and two sisters, Glada Nora Lucus and Bettie Lucus Barnes. His parents were Dick and Nora Lucus.

Services were held at 1:00 pm Monday at Smith Funeral Chapel in Smithland, with Bro. James Driver officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Birdsville Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.smithfc.com.