William Abner Bourland

Name: William Abner Bourland

Born: October 27, 1899, Texas

Died: March 17, 1982, Houston, Texas

Burial: Abilene, Texas

Father: Lihue Parker Bourland (1874 - 1947)

Mother: Minnie Roberta Roberts (1879 - 1959)

Married: Tempie Mae Humphrey (1898-1993) on March 14, 1923, Abilene, Texas

Children:

William Roy Bourland (1925-2001)

Lester Earl Bourland (1930-1999)

Notes:

1920 Census - Bill Bourland is listed in the home of parents, Lihue P. and Minnie Bourland, along with sisters Elizabeth and Birdie.

1930 Census - Bill and Tempie Bourland are living on a farm in Jones County, Texas, with their sons William R. and Lester E(arl) Bourland.

William "Bill" Abner Bourland was the first-born son of Lihue Parker ("L P") and Minnie Bourland. The first census record that can be located is from 1920 and the Bill is living on the Farm with his parents. In the next census record of 1930 he is living on the Farm with his wife, Tempie, and sons Roy and Earl Bourland.

Bill and Tempie Bourland

Bill had some adjustments to make to married life, or so the story goes. On Tempie and Bill's first anniversary he went rabbit hunting and forgot about the celebration dinner planned by his bride. Evidently the proper adjustments were made because Bill and Tempie remained together for 59 years.

Bill loved farming and was still listed living on the farm in 1930. Soon after 1930 the family moved to town (Abilene) where Bill became a grocery man, first working for his brother-in-law Lester and later working at his own store. These were the small grocery stores where you ran a tab, they boxed and delivered your groceries, and everyone knew your name.

Bill Bourland with Sons

Bill Bourland was deeply devoted to his faith and his church. He served as an elder and his home was always opened to church members. Having preacher boys in his home for food and talk was always a joy to him. Encouraging and growing a faithful church remained an important priority in his life and in turn he was beloved by the church he served.

Bill Bourland with Grandson

1952

Bill Bourland with Grandson

1956

W. A. Bourland Grocery Store at 10th and Grape

Abilene, Texas

1958

Bill Bourland, Groceryman

1959

Four Generations of Bourlands

1981

One of several meeting places where Bill served as a church leader.