William R. FOLEY

William FOLEY Obituary

WILLIAMSBURG - Colonel William R. (Bill) Foley, U.S. Army (Retired) passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at the age of 82.
Bill Foley was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and enlisted in the Army in 1945. He participated in World War II, the Korean War, Lebanon Operations in 1958, the Vietnam War, Desert One (Iranian Hostage Rescue 1980), and Grenada Operations 1983. Bill retired as a Regular Army Colonel in 1984, after 39 years of service. His career was primarily in Airborne units, with his last assignment being as President of the U.S. Army Airborne Board and Commander of Joint Special Operations Airdrop Elements. COL Foley spent 22 years of his service overseas, earning combat decorations and medals. He was a graduate from the University of Omaha and the Naval Post-Graduate School.
After retiring from the Army, Bill served in various Defense-related consultant positions and partnerships. He also served on the Board of Directors for South-Tek International, Inc. and Zodiac (North America Operations). He retired again as a consultant with Boeing in 2004.
Bill married Beverly Homan in Connecticut in 1952 and had three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Bill and Beverly moved to Williamsburg in 1992 and resided at the Oaks on South Henry Street for 15 years, before moving to Chambrel Retirement Community in 2007 and finally Morningside Assisted Living in 2009. He and his wife were members of Williamsburg United Methodist Church.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; his daughter, Buffy Foley; and his parents.
He is survived by his sons, Kenneth and Richard Foley; grandsons, Shaun Foley, Richard Foley Jr., and Jason Caprio; granddaughter, Lindsay Foley; and great-grandson, Jackson Foley.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, at the Nelson Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Va. A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held on Jan. 12, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Cedar Grove Cemetery on South Henry Street.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188 or the Williamsburg Heritage Humane Society.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

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Published by Daily Press from Jan. 8 to Jan. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for William FOLEY

11 Entries

Dave Ling

January 2, 2022

I still miss him every day.

Gaylin Jesmer

January 17, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Foly family. I served with COL Foley while a parachute rigger. He will be missed by all. May he find a soft drop zone in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Airborne All The Way.

Christine Davis

January 16, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Foley family. My husband,MGySgt William (Rey) Davis,(deceased) served under Col Foley as a Marine assigned to Ft.Lee Rigger School; he also served with him in Desert One and had the upmost respect for him.

Dave Ling

January 14, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Foley family. Colonel Foley was my mentor and professional Godfather during our Army years. I ultimately found out that he was responsible for my selection for several parachute rigger assignments. He also arranged my employment with South-Tek International when I retired. There is no way I could possibly repay my huge debt that I owe him in forming my career and character; other than trying to live up to his expectations (an incredible yet unachievable goal). RIP. Colonel, you will be remembered for generations.

January 11, 2011

Rich:
I am saddened to hear of your Dad's death. He was obviously an outstanding person; I know you will miss him. Just wanted you to know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time of remembering and loss.
Don Fowlkes

Nancy Nunn

January 11, 2011

Dear Ken,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Rick Hunt

January 11, 2011

To the Foley Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your Father/Grandfather.
Best regards,
Rick Hunt and Family

Seabird

January 10, 2011

God Bless You, Colonel. Thank you for your exceptional service for our Country.
My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, Sir.

January 10, 2011

Dear Kenny and Richard,
My sympathy to the both of you on the loss of your father. I have very fond memories of our visits with him. Our thoughts and prayers our with you.
Fondly,
Alisa Dolyak Kaelin

Polly Merritt

January 9, 2011

To the Foley Family -- Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad/Grandpa.
Best regards,
Polly Merritt & family, Sue Walker-Thornton and family

January 8, 2011

Dear Richard and Kenneth-- Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad, I worked with him at Ft Monroe in the 70's and you may or not remember me. When my husband retired at Ft Monroe on 30 June, 1979 and we returned to the West Coast, Bill bought our bronze Camero. I stayed in touch with your mother until last Christmas (09) and did not know that both she and Buffy were gone. My youngest daughter lives in Williamsburg and she sent the obit to me. Again, you are both in our thoughts. Sincerely, Ellie (and Bob) Duncan, Sparks, NV

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