More detail on this person: Willie A Tempton Willie Tempton, former interim President of Prairie View A&M University, was the only child born of Prince Albert Tempton and Margaret Tunson Tempton, of Waxahachie, Texas. Early in his childhood, he became a member of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, in Waxahachie, Texas and later joined Greenspoint Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. On August 29th of 2003, Mr. Tempton celebrated 45 years of marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Mary Lena Jackson (Tempton). The couple had four children: Willie, Jr., Eleanor Michelle, Gerald Duane and Sharon Monique. Mr. Tempton graduated from Prairie View A&M University in 1961, with a bachelor's degree in Biology, continuing with graduate studies in guidance and counseling. After graduating from Prairie View A&M, he began what became a distinguishing career with the United States Army, achieving the rank of Colonel. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and one tour in Korea as a combat pilot. Colonel Tempton graduated from both the Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. His awards included two Bronze Star medals each with an oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with "V" Device and oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Senior Aviator Wings, Republic of Vietnam Action Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, a Medal of Valor and a Legion of Merit Medal. In 1992, after more than 31 years of service, Col. Willie A. Tempton retired from the United States Army. Later that same year, he returned to Prairie View A&M, serving as an assistant to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. In 1996, he was named Vice President for Finance and Administration. On May 22, 2002, Willie Tempton was named acting President of the University following the resignation of then-President Charles Hines. Just 16 days later, after a unanimous recommendation by the University's Leadership Council to the Texas A&M University System Chancellor, Mr. Tempton was appointed interim President by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. He leaves to cherish his memory: Mary, a loving wife, lifelong companion and eternal friend; four children: Willie A. Tempton, Jr., (Fatrice) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, E. Michelle Tempton of Fort Worth, Texas, Gerald D. Tempton (Francine)of Houston, Texas, and Sharon M. Tempton-LaCour of Houston, Texas. He further leaves 7 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, special cousin and sister-in-law, Don and Edwards Florence of Waxahachie, Texas, and a host of other special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Burial information: Houston National Cemetery, Houston, TX
This information was last updated 09/10/2020
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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