William's obituary
William "Bill" MacMinn, born on March 7, 1923, lived a life of service and love until his passing on September 22, 2023. An armed forces veteran, loving father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and a friend to many, Bill left an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him. A man who lived a full life, a dedicated pilot, a retired Lt. Colonel in the Air Force, an avid golfer and a cherished family man.
In 1944 his bravery and commitment to service led him to fly B25 Bombers for the Army Air Corp in the Pacific Arena during WWII. This skill for flying carried him into a rewarding career in the US Air Force, where he served as a pilot from 1949 to 1967. Bill also graduated with a degree in Business from Temple University in 1949. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1967 rising to command pilot distinction in 1959. Bill continued his career with the Civil Service as a contract administrator for government commercial airlift until his second retirement in 1985.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bill's personal life was abundantly rich. He married the love of his life, Barbara (Bobbie) MacMinn, in 1948, with whom he had five wonderful children. Their love story was an inspiration to all. Despite the heartbreaking predeceasing of Bobbie, her memory continued to shine brightly through their children: Cheryl Kammire, Patricia Frey, William MacMinn, and Gregory MacMinn, all of whom survive him and Barbara Leeper sadly deceased. Bill also experienced the joy of grandparenthood with nine grandchildren, Kara, Carly, Matthew, Bill Dean, Jessica, Allison, Kelly, Kevin, and Stephen , further expanding the close-knit MacMinn clan. He had 12 greatgrandchildren at the time of his passing.
With a move to St. Pete Beach, Florida, in 1995, Bill embraced a passion for golf and played until he was 92 years old. He also served on HOA boards and the vestry of St Albans Episcopal Church.
Bill's kindness was his most defining characteristic, touching the lives of all those around him. He had a knack for making people laugh with his well-told jokes, and he always made it a point to express his gratitude to those who cared for him. His family fondly recalls how Bill always said that every time he moved for his first five military assignments, he had a different child - crediting it humorously to a change in the water. His legacy of love, humor, adventure, and service will remain a shining beacon for his family and those who knew him.
Bill will be buried in the National Military Cemetery in Bushnell next to Bobbie.
The MacMinn family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support during this time. They take comfort in knowing that Bill's spirit of kindness and gratitude continues to live on in those he touched.