William Haney

1922 - 2011

William Clay Haney, 89, passed from this life on earth, Wednesday, June 1, 2011. He was a loving husband and father, a patriot, a WWII veteran and a teacher; loved and respected by many people.

Born March 6, 1922 in Daybook, North Carolina, he was the son of Samuel Lee Haney and Thursa Bennett Haney. He attended Big Creek Elementary School, White Oak Flats Elementary School, and Bee Log High School, in Yancey County, North Carolina.

He enlisted in the United States Navy, with his brother Hershell, when he was 18. During WWII he served aboard the USS Mississippi and USS McCalla, and fought with distinction in five major battles in the Pacific. He continued to provide 30 years of military service to his country, including deployment to Vietnam. He was an early contributor to the Navy's diving program, and remained a qualified diver until his retirement. For most of his naval career he was involved in diving and salvage operations, including search and salvage operations for the USS Thresher. He was the commanding officer of the USS Tawakoni and The Naval Ordnance Laboratory Test Facility, Solomons, MD and retired from the United States Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his career, Bill and his family lived on both coasts of the United States, including Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, California and Hawaii.

After naval service, Bill continued his education and graduated with high honors from The University of Central Florida, with a bachelors degree in Education, emphasis in Learning Disabilities. He went on to teach students with learning disabilities at Merritt Island High School for ten years. In addition to teaching, Bill supported numerous organizations and activities which promoted the well being of persons with disabilities.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Margaret Maie Chamberlin Haney; sons, Bill Haney and Jeff Haney (Diane) of Merritt Island; daughters, Donna Saunders (Steve) of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Susan Haney of Senatobia, Mississippi; six grandchildren, Tracy Watkins, Greg Breeden, Carly Haney, Katlyn Haney, Jeffrey Haney and Jeremy Haney; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Beatrice (Atlas) Haney Carter, of Avondale Estates, Georgia. He was the last survivor of five brothers; Howard, Hershell, Daniel and Ralph.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 6, 2011 at Calvary Chapel of Merritt Island, 3500 N. Courtenay Pkwy., from 10 - 11:00 am., followed by funeral services at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the ministry of The Special Gathering, 921 Rockledge Dr., Rockledge, Florida.