William “Bill” Gordon McKoy was born on February 28, 1935 and at age 88, passed away at his home on April 18, 2023.
He was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee on February 28, 1935, son of William Gordon McKoy and Gladys McMahan McKoy. Bill grew up on a family farm in Rutledge, Tennessee, and he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a pilot straight out of college.
In 1967, while serving in the U.S. Air Force at Cigli Air Force Base in Turkey, Bill met the love of his life, Maryl “May” T. McKoy. They were married in England on May 15, 1970 and enjoyed exploring different parts of the world together.
In 1981, Bill retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and the family moved to Sonoma, California, where he enjoyed gardening, tinkering with machinery, playing bridge with May, serving as an usher at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, reading the morning newspaper, visiting with friends, spending time with his grandchildren, etc.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife May, but is survived by his daughter, Heather McKoy Shumaker (Erik Richard); grandchildren, Emily Grace and Jack Ryan Shumaker; and by numerous cousins.
A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and a kind friend to all, Bill will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, in Kenwood, California.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice, or to one of Bill’s favorites in his honor (St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude’s Street, Boulder City, NV 89005 and/or Pet’s Lifeline, 19686 Eighth St. E., Sonoma, CA 95476).
Published by Sonoma Index-Tribune from May 21 to May 24, 2023. (excerpted)