Colonel William F. Villines

Colonel William F. Villines

We come here today in love, the love that Bill shared with so many, to recall the beautiful pathways that Bill traveled in his earthly life.

William Floyd Villines was born to William and Ola Villines on December 8, 1934 in Calico Rock, Arkansas ,sharing his childhood with a sister Janette.  Bill graduated from Fresno High School in California and following graduation he entered the United States Air Force on April 1, 1955.

Following the Air Force Aviation Program, he began pilot training going from Navigator in a B-47 Bomber to Commander in a Douglas C-133 Cargo Master with about 5,000 hours total flight time; to Engineer in the Ballistic Missile and Space Program.  Bill retired from the Air Force as a full bird Colonel on October 1,1980. On October 13, 1980 he began work at Martin Marietta Aerospace Corporation as a director in the Space Launch Systems program, retir­ ing after ten years. [535^th, 1970]

Bill then became a "gentleman cowboy" (his description), moving to a 40-acre ranch in the foothills outside of Fresno where he enjoyed the life of riding his very old tractor, clearing brush from around the oak and manzanita trees, enjoying the wildlife and the beautiful large granite rocks. Only recently did he give up his cowboy boots.

In 2001 Bill moved to Sun City in Lincoln, California where he was enjoyably involved with the church serving as an Elder, leading Bible studies, Facilities Director, Men's Shepherding Ministry, Grief Groups, and also during this time, earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Pastoral Ministry. Bill was a man of talent and ability, a man who put God and family first in his life.

Bill enjoyed aviation, flying small private planes, attending air shows, and staying in touch with his Air Force buddies. He also enjoyed bowling.

Bill is survived by his wife Phyllis having shared 35 wonderful years; sister Janette and husband Bob of Watsonville, CA; sons Steve, Larry and wife Shawn,William II and wife Cynthia, all in the Spokane, Washington area; stepsons Terry Montgomery and wife Jogina of Tracy, California, Scott Montgomery and wife Rayann of Quincy, California; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

ln lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be made to: Lincoln Hills Community Church Memorial Fund.