William G. Sloan Jr.

Bill graduated from the University of Southwest Louisiana with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1963 and earn his MBA in Aerospace Management from the University of Southern California in 1969. He was commissioned in the Air Force and attended flight training at Laughlin AFB, TX receiving his wings in 1964. He served as an F-4 Phantom II pilot in the Vietnam War in 1965-66 for the 497th Tactical Flight Squadron flying 130 bombardment, ground support, air defense, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam earning 9 Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was cited for his courage and outstanding skill for pressing air attacks against hostile forces . After his tour in Vietnam, he was transferred to Hahn AFB, Germany to fly F-4s for the 81st and 10th Tactical Fighter Squadrons. He transitioned to civilian life as a stock broker for Merrill Lynch in New Orleans and then loyally served and retired from the federal government as a mechanical engineer in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, NAS Whiting Field and NAS Pensacola, FL. He also continued his military career flying AC-130 Spectre gunships in the Air Force Reserve’s 711th Special Operations Squadron out of Duke Field, FL, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman and loved being out on his boat, hunting and going to the firing range with his children. He was a very experienced scuba diving instructor and some of his fondest memories are of diving and spearfishing with Ann and his children and the countless students he taught while in GTMO. He became a devout Catholic and for many years served in the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Club and as a lay eucharistic minister at his church. He was the friendliest neighbor one could ask for and would strike up a conversation with anyone. He always had an infectious smile on his face and had the habit of going out of his way to do random acts of kindness for strangers. Through his actions he taught his children the importance of charity, humility, perseverance, tenacity, and kindness.

Bill is survived by wife and best friend of 60 years Ann Marie Sloan, his son Dr. Brett Sloan and his partner, Robert Palmer, of West Simsbury, CT; his daughter Julie Sloan of Pensacola, FL. He also leaves behind 6 adored grandchildren , Sophie, Emma and Kate Sloan of Simsbury, CT; Sarah Marie Adamson of Tampa, FL; and Mason and Jack McCabe of Pace, FL.

He is predeceased by his parents, Judy and William Sloan, Sr., and his brother, Joe Sloan. It is comforting to know he is now reunited with them and three of his sons, Steven, William (“Billy”) and Eric, who tragically left this world too early.

A Visitation will begin at 11:30am with The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2022 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Tom Collins as the celebrant. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with full honors. With a Reception immediately following the burial at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

OAK LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 619 New Warrington Road entrusted with arrangements.