Thorp Air Command - T18.net

It is with great sadness that I report that Bill Williams, my wingman and best buddy for most of my adult life, passed away suddenly at home yesterday, November 13, 2018. He was 72 and in the best years of his life. He had constructed several amateur built airplanes and restored countless antique cars. His friends knew he was most proud of his S-18, N30WW, and his 1928 Nash Roadster. Bill was one of those guys who would drop what he was doing to help anyone, whether it be intricate machining or just pick up the other end of the board.

He will be sorely missed.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

What terrible news. I will miss Bill’s knowledge, talent and wit. My condolences to Deb, his family and loved ones. He was a good man.

He and his family/friends will be in our prayers this morning.

As I’m sure most are, I’m in complete shock. Great friend, extremely talented builder, very giving person. I will miss flopping down next to him at Oshkosh and all of the lunches during TPA overnights. I learned something, usually funny, from Bill each and every time we spoke. My heart is aching for Deb and the family, including our Thorp family. This one hurts. We lost a tremendous leader today.
Please let us know when and if there are arrangements we can help with, or attend.
Cubes

I’m so sorry to hear this... it is a terrible loss. To me he was such an important part of the group, and a good man... I will miss him. To Deb and his family, and to you Bob, my deepest condolences.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

+1 on the prayers for his family and friends.

Rap

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Base: KALX
N8786
SN 929

Wow, I can't believe this. He seemed so full of life at the kentucky dam fly in. 2 things I'm thankful for is finally meeting him in person this year and by the sound of it he didn't suffer.

He will be missed.

I'm as well having a hard time wrapping my head around the world's loss of Bill. I cannot define what Bill Williams was to me as he was so much, a mentor, a friend, a guy just to sit next to and watch airplanes go by, beer drinking pal, father figure .. all of the above. He was one of the most honest, giving and reliable people the world has ever seen, a true friend who would drop anything to help out another. Those who knew Bill know that he used to get a shit eating grin whenever he'd tell the worst of jokes ... no matter how bad the joke was that grin of his would make it impossible not to laugh.

I"m doing my best to remember him with that silly grin on his face.

Our thoughts go out to Debbie, Bob and Susan. Cannot express how sorry we are and how deeply we love you guys.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Very sad news. Always tough when we lose someone from the formation .

Very Respectfully ,

Rich Brazell

We will be having a celebration of Bill's life on Saturday, December the 8th on the Sun 'N Fun campus. Details to follow.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

I've not known what to say all day about this. Any time with Bill was time worth spending. He was a rare man and who's company I am very thankful to have shared. Darcy's and my heart go out to Debra, Bob and Susan.

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Oh how sad. I’m sorry for your (our) loss. Bill was there for me both on-line and off. I really enjoyed the few brief times we crossed paths. He will be missed. What a decent man.

D

Shocked and saddened. Bless his family and friends.

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Chuck Kincer
Richmond, Me
575CK
KIWI

As there will be no visitation or funeral home viewing, we are planning a celebration of life for Bill at the Lakeland Aero Club on the Sun 'n Fun campus on December 8, 2018 at 2:00 PM. Fly-ins and drive-ins are welcome. Anyone needing special transportation let me know. Fly-ins ask ground for directions to the Aero Club. The adjacent grass strip is not available for landings. Hope to see many of you here for a great tribute to Bill's life.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

After not checking the site for a few days. This is horrible news.

For his family, Deb and all the rest of us who knew and loved Bill. What a loss.

His knowledge of things went far beyond Thorps and this will be missed and the world has a void with his passing.

I pray that he now has wings forever.

I am so sorry and my condolences to all!