William Thomas McAuley II

William Thomas McAuley II, Major, USMC (Ret.) died April 1, 2016 at age 77. He served several tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal while serving as the Electrical Maintenance Officer in the First Radio Battalion. Following enlistment in the Corps, he was rapidly promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and was later given a field commission as a Second Lieutenant. Being an expert in pistol and rifle skills, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 4 Stars), Navy Commendation Medal (with V for Valor), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation along with additional honors.

“Tom” proved to be a Marine until his last breath. He is one of only 3% of patients with pancreatic cancer to live 4 years after the initial diagnosis. His perseverance, grit, and mental strength throughout his illness were a testament to the honor and valor that made his such a great Marine. Dr. Gauri Varadhachary and her team, of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center took a chance on Tom and allowed him the opportunity to receive chemotherapy regimens normally reserved for men much younger in age. When the treatments were no longer able to keep the cancer in check, the Scott & White Hospice Team (Nurse Kim and her team) stepped in and were a true blessing as his life came to a close.

Tom’s dedication as a Marine was surpassed only by his dedication to friends and family. He could often be found flying model airplanes with his grandchildren or showing them a new electronic gadget that he had invented for their amusement. Neighbors often remarked that his garage was like a Home Depot warehouse stocked with the most complete collection of specialty tools imaginable (complete with owner’s manuals and the ability and knowledge to use them properly). From irrigation to tile floors, from electronics to plumbing, from car mechanics to structural welding, Tom was always ready to lend a hand and help others with their projects. He loved to tinker and learn new things. This curiosity was a wonderful thing – and then whole new doors opened with the invention of Amazon Prime. Suddenly, a whole new world of opportunities was available, and family memories would never be the same.

Tom leaves behind his daughter Lori Root and late husband Kirk C. Root (their children Chris, Cub and wife Amy, and Casey), his son Greg and wife Becky (their children Chelsea and husband Chris Martinez, Emily, and Nathaniel). Additionally, he is survived by his wife Dorinda Duzan (and her children Kevin Duzan and wife Kathy (Nick, Sydney, and Taylor), and Shelly and husband Paul Roggendorff (Chris, Ethan, and Allison), along with his sister Jo and husband Ron, and his brother Charles and wife Judy, multiple nieces and nephews and a black lab, Bella.

Tom will be buried with military honors at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. Date to be announced.