William 'Willie' Earl Cherry

William “Willie” Earl Cherry left this world and went straight into the arms of his savior, Jesus on Sunday, September 24, 2023, with his loving wife, Glenna, by his side. Willie was born September 22, 1944, in Teague, TX to parents, Aubrey and Virginia. It was soon very apparent that Will would excel at anything he put his heart into. Will was a proud Ennis Lion Football, Track and Baseball Star. Along with his sporting accomplishments, he was also a great friend. He was selected as his class favorite for many years including Mr. EHS. Willie went on to break numerous track and football records and held on to those records for many years.

After high school, he played football for Navarro Junior College where he had the honor of being named an All American. After Navarro, he went on to play with the likes of “Mean Joe Green” at the University of North Texas. From there, he was drafted and bravely fought in the jungles of Vietnam. He was a highly decorated veteran who quickly rose to the rank of Sargeant. Willie once said that his greatest accomplishment was not any sporting accolades, but it was bringing all his guys home alive.

After his homecoming from the war, he settled in Houston, TX where he continued to fight bravely as a police officer. It is there that he married his first wife, Becky. Will then relocated his family back home to his beloved Ennis where he could raise them outside of the big city. Together they raised 3 children: Becky Sue, Cristina & Jason.

He continued his fight against crime and injustice as a police officer at the Dallas Police Department. Willie took up the game of golf. He was a scratch golfer that played without a handicap. He could drive a ball over 400 yards. He was phenomenal. He was a good bowler as well and it wasn’t unheard of for him to bowl a 300. You would find him daily at the golf course either playing or hunting golf balls as a hobby. He also was very talented at repairing golf clubs. He had quite the side business going with this skill.

Will was a very intelligent man. His other hobby was completing crossword puzzles. It was nothing for him to sit down and complete the New York Times crossword puzzle in no time. When he found himself single, he met his wife, Glenna and was smitten. He was quickly off the bachelor market. They made their home in Red Oak while raising Doug, Ginger, Travis and Bryan. He was known for his beautiful sporting fields at the Lancaster School District where he retired.

Willie was the toughest man we knew. He showed that strength and endurance all the way until he was called home. He went his way and still on his own two feet. Will was fiercely loyal and protective to those he loved and cared about. We will miss his strength and quick wit. Not many people got to see Will’s soft side, but we did when he was spending time with his grandchildren whom he adored: Brandi, Tori, Kaylee, Peyton, Christopher, TJ, Kendall, Brayden, Jake, Connor, Sophie, Mason, Carson and great-grandson, Walker.

Heissurvivedbyhiswifeof 28years,GlennaBauerle Cherry. Daughter, Cristina Cherry Bates and husband Keith. Son, Jason Cherry and wife Jamie. Daughter, Ginger Orr and husband, Tim. Son, Bryan Bauerle and wife, Bobbi. Son, Travis Curfman and wife Misty. Son, Doug James and daughter, Becky Eberle McCarty. A brother, James “Sonny” Cherry and wife Cheryl. Sister, Donna Spurgeon Hartis. Brother-in-law, Randy Amos.

Will was preceded in death by his mom, Virginia Spurgeon Hobbs, Stepdad, Billy George. Father, Aubrey Cherry and Stepmom, Eileen. Sisters: Frankie Blanton and Mary Caldwell. Brother-in-law, Weldon Caldwell and grandson Weldon James.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Green Funeral Home Red Oak, Texas.

Funeral Service will be 12:00 PM Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Green Funeral Home Red Oak, Texas. Officiated by his son-in-law, Bro. Keith Bates. The pallbearers will be his beloved grandsons: Christopher Bates, TJ Gregg, Jake Cherry, Mason and Brayden Orr, Connor and Carson Bauerle.

Committal with Military Honors will be 2:30 PM Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery Dallas, Texas.