shy of his 101st birthday.
Born at Webb Hill near Celeste, Texas, Bill, known as ''Willie'' to his childhood friends, was the son of Elmond Levi and Bertha Catherine Caldwell. His early years were shaped by hardship
and resilience, having lost his mother at age four and growing up during the Great Depression. These experiences forged a strength of character and a deep sense of gratitude that defined his
life.
At just 17, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 with his father's special permission. After training in San Diego, he traveled to New York City and boarded a troopship bound for North
Africa. As a signalman on a large landing craft, he served in North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio, Italy. He later sailed to England to prepare for the Normandy invasion and was among
the brave men who delivered troops to Utah Beach on D-Day.
Following the war, Bill remained in the Navy Reserve and reenlisted for two more years, serving aboard the battleship USS Nevada (BB-35). In 1950, he joined the U.S. Army and served in
Alaska during the Korean War before returning home in 1952. That same year, Bill married the love of his life, Emma ''Louise'' Horner, and together they raised three children: Larry, Melanie,
and Gary. Bill set an example for his family of commitment, hard work, perseverance, and kindness.
Bill began his civilian career at Temco in 1953, which later became LTV and E-Systems. During the Cold War, he played a vital role overseeing electrical systems on top secret reconnaissance
aircraft, including the ''Lisa Ann'' project in Shemya, Alaska. His work also took him to Honolulu, Hawaii, and Okinawa, Japan. He retired from E-Systems in 1982, but true to his hardworking
nature and with a practical eye toward earning a little more money, he returned to LTV in Grand Prairie and contributed to the development of the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
After retirement, Bill and Louise traveled the country in their RV, making new friends and savoring the beauty of life on the road. In 2014, Bill received the French Legion of Honor medal
in recognition of his service during World War II; a meaningful acknowledgment of a life quietly marked by courage, dedication, and humility.
Bill was a man of many interests. He loved genealogy, gardening, and especially writing. He filled binders with memories, reflections, and historical accounts, many of which were published
in the local newspaper, and encouraged his family to contribute their own stories. Though he never formally taught in a classroom, Bill was a natural historian and educator, sharing his
knowledge and passion with all who would listen.
He was endlessly curious, a loyal Rangers baseball fan, and a man with a quick wit and a warm heart. He had a deep love for music of all eras, finding pleasure in the melodies that
accompanied life's moments, from the tunes of his youth to the songs of later generations. His optimism and sense of humor were constants in his life.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Louise Caldwell; his brother, Bruce Caldwell; and his sister, Frances Coonrod.
He is survived by his children: Larry Caldwell and wife, Patricia; Melanie Caldwell and partner, Dennis; and Gary Caldwell and wife, Donna. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Lauren
Gibson and husband, Josh; Mark Caldwell and wife, Carly; Kristen Hamilton and husband, Adam; Lindsey Guerrero and husband, Omar; Austin Caldwell and wife, Hillary; and Haley Milne
and husband, Willem. His fourteen great-grandchildren include: Jake, Catherine, and Jonah Gibson; Selah, Mateo, and Lucia Guerrero; Ella and James Wolfe Hamilton; Graham, Emmaline, and Pearson Caldwell; Janie and Hallie Caldwell; and Abba Milne. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
His legacy of love, service, and grit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 14th at 10 a.m. at Coker Mathews Funeral Home Chapel in Greenville, Texas. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Mark Caldwell, Austin Caldwell, Josh Gibson, Adam Hamilton, Willem Milne, and Kevin Waldroup.
The family requests memorials be made to Patriot Paws Service Dogs (https://patriotpaws.org).
Condolences(0)