William C. Duran was born in Socorro, Texas on January 18, 1936 to Manuel and Belen Duran. At the age of 2 years old, the family moved to Camarillo, California where he spent his childhood and teen years working on a large ranch with his dad. He also rode his horse, hunted and fished the many hills, canyons, and lakes in the area. In 1955, he moved to Dinuba making the trip on his 1940’s Harley Davidson. In 1959, he married his love, Carmen Lopez. Together they raised their five sons, Edward, Danny, Leroy, Ernie, and Gary Duran.
Willie was a man of many talents but will be remembered most for welding and carpentry skills and musical talent. His joys in life were hunting, horses, playing lead guitar with many different bands but above else he cherished God, his family and friends.
Willie was preceded in death by his son, Leroy, in 1993 and his loving wife, Carmen, in 2006. He is survived by his four sons, three daughter-in-laws, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.
