William Floyd Villines

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 Cargomaster with about 5,000 hours total flight time; to Engineer in the Ballistic Missile and Space Program. Bill retired from the Air Force as 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, retiring after ten years.
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 Manager, Men's Shepherding Ministry, Grieving Groups, and during this time earned a Masters of Art 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 WA area; stepsons Terry Montgomery and wife Jogina of Tracy CA, Scott Montgomery and wife Rayann of Quincy CA; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.