A true Texan, he was born in Fort Worth, Texas on August 21, 1945.
Enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18, he served his country proudly for 23 years. Bill was a Vietnam veteran and an enlisted navigator on the A-3 Skywarrior, his favorite “bird”. He received numerous commendations during his Naval career.
Immediately after his Navy retirement, he went to work for Lockheed Martin as an F-16 electronics systems instructor. His job carried him to all parts of the world. He loved traveling and making new friends wherever he went.
After retiring from Lockheed, Bill became very busy with 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. There were always football and soccer games, cheerleading and marching band competitions to attend. He never tired of the children’s activities and savored every moment.
His passion for family was intense. To say he was proud of his children and their spouses is an understatement. He loved them fiercely and was always on standby to help if needed.
Bill lived a very active lifestyle. Coaching and pitching softball, playing pickle ball with his wife, and continued to work out as often as he could.
Supporting other veterans was a cause near and dear to his heart. He volunteered with Flags for Fallen Vets and Wreaths Across America.
He was a large part of the restoration project of an EA-3B Skywarrior that would have been doomed to the scrap pile. She is now beautifully displayed at the Vintage Flying Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Stop by for a visit to see Ranger 15.
Bill’s smile and positive attitude was contagious. He always found the good in situations that others would have overlooked. He was an incredible teacher and mentor, taking people under his wing. He always encouraged those around him to live up to their true potential.
He was not shy about sharing his political views or knowledge of history.
Bill was a man of faith, he knew his blessings were from above and he had an attitude of gratitude every day.
His life was an incredible journey and there was never a dull moment. He died doing what he loved and we take comfort in that.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Marilyn; 4 children – Catherine, Charlie, Denise and husband Joe, Michael and wife Donna, who were loved to the moon and back and such a source of pride; 7 grandchildren – Brittany and husband Jacob, Brandon and wife Kati, Amanda, Brian, Matthew, Alison, and Mark; and extra blessings of 4 great-grandchildren – Madison, Isabella, Barrett, and Bowie. His sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins and so many others who were touched by his love will miss him terribly. Not to mention his yellow Labrador, Leo, who was such a daddy’s boy.
Visitation will be at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home on Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and a Rosary will be said beginning at 7:00pm. Location: 4216 S Bowen Rd, Arlington, Texas 76016. Patriotic colors and softball jerseys are uniform of the evening.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 1:00pm in the St. Clair Chapel located at 8000 Eldorado Pkwy, Frisco, Texas 75034. Patriotic colors and softball jerseys are uniform of the day.
Bill will be laid to rest at DFW National Cemetery on Monday, February 3, 2020 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Bill and his family would like you to consider donating a wreath to Wreaths Across America at www.honordfw.com.
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