William Lee Coulson Jr

COULSON, Jr., William Lee William Lee (Bill) "Papa" Coulson, Jr., 85, died suddenly on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Valle Verde retirement community in Santa Barbara. Bill is survived by the love of his life, Evalyn Benning Coulson, his wife of 61 years; his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Lindsay Parton of Santa Barbara; his son and daughter-in-law, William L. (Bill) and Barbara Coulson, III of Santa Barbara.He is also survived by grand children, Raan and Lindsay K. Parton, Shea Parton, Stenn and Betsy Parton, Dan Coulson, and Kelly Coulson, and sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Arthur Montgomery of Santa Barbara. Bill was pre-deceased by his sister and bother-in-law, Betty Ann and Ernest Campbell and sister, Roberta (Bobbie) Coulson. Bill was born on March 2, 1927, to William Lee and Anna Marie Remmett Coulson in Louisville, Kentucky where he grew up, and the essence of his southern gentleman character was instilled. He finished two years at the University of Louisville and served in the Navy during World War II before moving to Santa Barbara with his parents and sisters in 1947. He graduated from UCSB in 1949 with a degree in Economics and Business Administration. Upon arriving in Santa Barbara, Bill met Evalyn at First Presbyterian Church. They were married in June 1950. Bill became employed in the savings & loan business, rising to President of First Federal Savings & Loan which later became Mission Federal Savings. Mission Federal Savings merged with Home Federal Savings & Loan, where Bill served as a Senior Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board. Bill also served on the California Savings & Loan League where he was a Director and member of the Executive Committee. Bill loved Santa Barbara and was extensively involved in community service activities. During the 1960's he worked on the Heart Association Board where he served as Treasurer, Vice President and President. Bill was a member of the Suburban Kiwanis Club where he held numerous committee chairmanships and then became President in 1962. Bill also served as President of the S.B. Jaycees, S.B. Chamber of Commerce and the Hope School Board. He was given a PTA life membership from La Colina Jr. High. Bill also served on advisory boards for Valle Verde, Santa Barbara Visiting Nurses, The Salvation Army and the Better Business Bureau. After his retirement, Bill was Chairman of the Board of the Channel City Club and continued his work with the Santa Barbara Foundation. At the Santa Barbara Foundation, he served on the Board and several administrative committees for 9 years and became Vice President. As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for 5 years, he made 120 site visits per year throughout the County. Bill and Evalyn's faith has been the center of their life. Bill gave devoted service to his church as Deacon, Elder and Trustee. He taught Sunday School and he and Evalyn went on mission trips to Albania, China and Europe. He was active with Campus Crusade for Christ and International Leadership University, and supported the International Sports Ministry in England and Scotland where he and Evalyn loved to visit. They enjoyed their travels to many countries always making new friends. Bill and Evalyn also provided pre-marital counseling for many couples over the years who became part of their extended family. Although his service was broad and diverse, his objective was to bring others along and to encourage them to develop as leaders. His years of service to the community was honored by the Santa Barbara News-Press on November 4, 2000 with the presentation of its Lifetime Achievement Award. Bill and Evalyn made an incredible team. Together they cherished their faith, family, and friends. Bill was a stellar husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague. He was the ultimate southern gentleman. Bill's life is best summed up by the verse, "Well done good and faithful servant". He will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 28th at Shoreline Community Church, 935 San Andres Street in Santa Barbara. The service will be followed by a reception at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Bill's memory to Shoreline Community Church, 935 San Andres St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or Campus Crusade for Christ International, "William Coulson Memorial Account", 100 Lake Heart Drive, Orlando, FL 32832, or Santa Barbara Young Life, 123 W. Padre Street, #3, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

William Lee Coulson Jr

March 21, 1927 - April 14, 2012