William Elliott Jennings Sr.

William E. (Bill) Jennings left this earthly home March 12, 2024, at 100 years old. Bill, born December 29, 1923, in Princeton, Kansas, was one of seven children of Frank L. and Martha Jennings. He entered the military service at age 17 after the attack on Pearl Harbor and became a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps. After serving on several islands in the Pacific during WWII, he entered the University of Texas Engineering School while remaining active in the Marine Reserves. Before graduating, he was called to active duty and served in Korea. He received Air Medals for his actions in both wars. After completing his active military duties, he returned to UT to complete his engineering degree in 1952. He retired from the Marine reserves in 1962 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. After graduating from UT, he worked in Flight Test Engineering at Bell Helicopter and was instrumental in refining the operation of the tilt rotor V-22 Osprey aircraft. In 1987, in recognition of his work, he received the International Kelly Johnson Award, located in the Smithsonian Institute. He was the Director of Test and Evaluation at retirement in 1988.

As a member of the First Christian Church in Arlington since 1953, Bill served as a deacon, Chairman of the Personnel Committee and on numerous special committees. He was also a member of the Society of Flight Test Engineers, American Helicopter Society, the UT Ex-Student association, and was a registered Professional Engineer in Texas.

During retirement, he enjoyed golf, card games, family gatherings, and extensive travel through many countries. His greatest joys were having all the combined families together for special occasions and having an active part in the lives of the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill was part of the "Greatest Generation" in his loyalty to country, service to community, compassion for humanity and his simple example of living by offering God's grace to everyone he encountered. He put others first before himself.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Edna M. Jennings, second wife Betty M. Jennings of Mansfield, his parents, his sisters Margaret, Frances, Eleanor, Ruth and his brother Frank.

Bill is survived by his sister Josephine Walker, his daughter Cathey J. Petrey and her husband Michael, his son William E. Jennings Jr. and his wife Barbara, his stepson Kip Mooneyham and his wife Jenni, his stepdaughter Lissa M. Dunlay and her husband Jon; grandchildren, Jennifer Holmes, Linda Hottenstein, Christine Eikenberry, Michael Mooneyham, Margaret Terwey, Emily Dunlay; great-grandchildren Dylan, Aubrey, Ashlyn, Luke, Tyler, Hendrix, William, Louise, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Memorials may be given in his memory to First Christian Church of Arlington.