William Edward Irwin

Born January 23, 1933, William Edward Irwin was known as “Billy”. His father was Bradley Owen Irwin from Elizabethtown, KY, and his mother was the former Mattie Emma Sage from Tennessee. Billy was born and raised in Louisville, KY, by his mother since his parents were divorced when he was an infant. He had a happy childhood in spite of the poor neighborhood that he lived in. His mother ensured that he had the love and the religious foundation and her example to provide for his personal development.

After graduating from high school, and a short employment as a grocery store clerk, he joined the air force, basically to avoid being drafted into the army. After 15 months as an enlisted man, he became an Aviation Cadet to become a pilot, which was his childhood dream. After 15 months of training he was declared an Officer and a Gentleman by an act of congress. He spent the next 17 years as a Transport Pilot, highlighted by six years in Washington, DC in the unit that provides transportation to the President of the United States. This was during the last year and a half of the Kennedy administration, and all of the Johnson administration. Retiring after 20 years of service, he joined Mobil Oil Corporation flying the Chairman of the Board and the president of the company. He left Mobil Oil as a manager after 12 years to become a freelance pilot and aviation consultant.

He retired from aviation at age 62, and set out to write a book. During his career, he was associated with the powerful, the famous, and the wealthy of his day. But most cherished was his family and his friends. He married Joanne Daphne Cunningham in 1953 and had four children; William E. Irwin II, Stephen M. Irwin, Cheryl Jo Dayton, and Laura L. Noeding. His second marriage was a mistake! He married Rita Aline on June 30, 1991 and has been very happy ever since. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Omaha at the age of 33 after over six years of night school. He traveled the world, lived in 10 different states, and in two foreign locations.

In his own words, “It’s been a great life”!

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to Hospice of The Valley.

There will be a Celebration of Life on May 31, 2025 at Palm Ridge Recreation Center, 13800 Dear Valley, Sun City West from 1 - 3.